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Hey Dad,

It's a rainy, cold morning as I type to you from a Wal-Mart parking lot in lovely Springfield, Missouri. Things have gone relatively smoothly, if you don't count the tire blowout we had last week … and even that went about as smoothly as it could have.

I know I've said this before, but I'm convinced that I'm the key to the good life at home or on the road. If I lose my cool (and I do), then an RV meltdown soon follows. BUT if I keep focused, remember what's most important, and speak gently, I avoid a Three-Mile Island kind of Familyman disaster.

It's amazing how powerful our words are. A few well-spoken words have the power to pump a child up … and a few harshly spoken words can just as easily deflate those we love.

I used both on my son Ike (he'll be eight tomorrow) this week. He got a pair of Heelys (shoes with wheels) for Christmas and has been practicing with them ever since. Well, this past weekend he had a really smooth floor on which to strut his stuff, and he was trying really hard to look humble.

He whooshed by me, and I said, "Wow, Ike, you're really good on those. … Man, I'm amazed at how well you do!" I saw I'd struck pay dirt, for behind his humble expression, he basked in the glory of his father's praise.

If only I could do that all the time. I should say often, "Man, you really were kind just then to your brother. … You used such self-control. … I'm so blessed to have such a great son as you. … You're the best!"

But instead I often find myself being critical, scolding, and harsh. "Why do you always do that? You're acting foolish. … You're making this so hard." Instead of basking, I see his eyes reflect hurt and discouragement.

But I have a new day today (a rainy one, mind you, but a new day none-the-less), and as soon as I'm finished typing, I'm going to practice what I preach and head up front and "pump them up."

I'll make it a point all day today to let my children know how blessed I am to be their dad and how awesome I think they are.

Why don't you do the same, Dad? In fact, I proclaim this National Pump 'Em Up Day.

So, spend a couple minutes planning what you might say to each member of your family, and then go home and PUMP THEM UP!

You 'da Dad,

© 2007 Todd Wilson. Used by permission.

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