Maru and I are currently in Miami spending time with her family. We visited some close friends that have a young family—three kids all under the age of six.
The kids were kicking around a football in the backyard. The eldest—a boy of 6 years—launched one that hit his younger sister square in the face.
I’ll be honest, I grimaced.
I saw her eyes started to squint, and she was beginning to tear up, when her father quickly said in a really positive, uplifting, and supportive tone, “No worries! You’re great! You’re OK!”
And immediately, she responded with raised shoulders, and a defiant look on her face that quickly turned to pride. Yes, she was fine!
Her dad’s reaction, one that was quick to praise her for being bold and strong (even if it was a hefty whack), helped her feel better.
The reaction matters.