101 Ways to Praise a Child

I'm still learning, Pops!

The thing that really got me excited about starting a section JUST for swim parents, is that my Mom sent me a folder FULL of notes, and ramblings by my Dad. My Dad passed away just about a year ago, and I still have a hard time believing it.

For those of you who didn't have the chance to meet my Dad, I feel sad for you. Honestly, he was the most positive man I've ever had the chance to meet. I will, until he end of my days, be thankful that I had such a wonderful man as my Father.

Just to give you an example, one of the first notes I came across in this folder was a list. This was something he had talked about, and had shared with me long ago, as I got him into the coaching field. It's a list of 101 WAYS TO PRAISE A CHILD. Although this list may sound silly to many of you, he always wanted to make sure that there was something positive said to each of his swimmers on a daily basis -- even on the bad days. So... here's the list, and although it's long, read each one from the receiving end, and imagine you're having a rough day as an athlete, and hear something like the following:
Wow
Way to go
Super
You're special
Outstanding
Excellent
Great
Good
Neat
Well done
Remarkable
Knew you could do it
I'm proud of you
Fantastic
Superstar
Nice work
Looking good
You're on top of it
Beautiful
Now you're flying
You're catching on
Now you've got it
You're incredible
Bravo
You're fantastic
Hurrah
You're on target
You're on your way
How nice
That's smart
Good job
That's incredible
Hot dog
Dynamite
You're beautiful
You're unique
Nothing can stop you now
Good for you
I like you
You're darling
You're a winner
Remarkable job
Beautiful work
Spectacular
You're spectacular
You're precious
Great discovery
You've discovered the secret
You figured it out
Fantastic job
Hip, hip, hurrah
Bingo
Magnificent
Marvelous
Terrific
You're important
Phenomenal
You're sensational
Super work
Fantastic job
Exceptional performance
You're a real trooper
You are responsible
You are exciting
Learned it right
What an imagination
What a good listener
You are fun
You're growing up
You tried hard
You care
Beautiful sharing
Outstanding performance
You're a good friend
I trust you
You're important
You mean a lot to me
You make me happy
You belong
You have good friends
You make me laugh
You brighten my day
I remember you
You mean the world to me
That's correct
You're a joy
You're a treasure
You're wonderful
You're perfect
Awesome
A+ job
You're A-OK
My buddy
You made my day
That's the best
A big hug
Say I love you
Remember, a smile is worth 1,000 words!!!!