"What makes me special?," Asked my Child

I’ve spent some precious time recently with my 8 year old daughter Janessa. I was working on my laptop one night and Janessa came and curled up beside me. She asked, “What makes me special?” Then she wanted me to write down what made her special from anyone else in the world. She even had me do some breathing exercises to focus on what to write. I was trying to see if I could come up one liners that described her. I came up with eight statements; one for each year of Janessa:

Janessa is so cute and precious. So innocent and pure. She wanted a spoonful of chocolate frosting and ended up with a spoonful that was half the can of frosting! Devious little squirt…who pays me with hugs.

Janessa is made of sugar and can eat her weight in sugar.

Janessa has a soft gentle heart and a fun sense of humor.

Janessa pays for favors with her hugs. She once tricked her parents to buying her toys back from her.

Janessa is as magical as any fairy but as down to earth as any tree.

Janessa is kind and good and always says her prayers.

Janessa’s sweet whisper heals my heart and transforms my soul.

Her full teeth bare smile reminds me of a wolf or dog. She is genuinely herself and happy in her own skin.

Recently, I sent a card to Carinna (Janessa’s older sister) telling her what made her special with a list of attributes and the things I love about her. She loved it!

Kids love to hear about themselves. Spend an evening with a child telling them what makes them unique and special. Your children may even pay you with a hug, just like Janessa. Write down for a friend what makes them special. For a pick-me-up, write a list of attributes about yourself. Everyone is special and needs to be reminded of it from time to time.