JUST BE NICE
WHEN I GROW UP
When I was in grade school (3rd grade if memory serves me right), we had to create a colored paper page with information all about ourselves. The only line I remember from that assignment was:
"When I grow up I want to be: ______________________"
Common answers would be things like doctor, nurse, teacher, fireman, policeman or construction worker.
Do you know what I put in the blank line? You'd never guess in a million years because it's not your typical career choice.
My simple and direct answer to this giant life goal question was NICE.
Yep. That's it. No great career aspirations from this girl. I just wanted to grow up and be nice.
If you don't think what you say to your child matters, think again. My mom moved a lot as a kid so she had the tough job of making new friends every few years, even during high school. I can't even imagine! I think that's one reason she was always reminding us how important it was to just be nice. I can still hear her saying, "You're not always going to like everyone you meet but you should always be nice." It's a good thing NICE goes well with just about every career choice, except maybe lawyer or career politician.
THINGS YOU DON'T THINK ABOUT WHEN YOU'RE A KID
When I was a child sitting in the clarinet section of the amazingly talented Mr. Sodomka's band class in the well-worn dear old Walnut Junior High, I wasn't thinking about my future. I never dreamed I would grow up to be a photographer and would take photos of my friend and fellow clarinet player Sara and her family. It's a beautiful thing to see the features, mannerisms and expressions I grew up seeing in my friend come to life in a whole new generation.
Here's a quick look at the most fun family session to date. Serious laughs with a great group of very NICE people!
Here's a sneak peek inside the video, including baby shark just for Barb!
Thank you Tiffany for Christmas gifting this session to your family and thanks to all of them for making it a laugh-filled, joyful session!
If you're in the market for some solid parenting/life advice, NICE is a great place to start. It's a skill you're never too old to master. If you use it regularly, you'll find yourself hanging out with other nice people which makes life and work a whole lot nicer!
Carrie
