Parenting advice powered by Lenny's podcast wisdom

Just Say Thank You

Andy Johns

Inspired by on Lenny's Podcast

A boss once told a struggling employee: 'When someone gives you a compliment, just say thank you and accept it' - which is also how you should receive your child's love.

Andy Johns had a boss who noticed something.

'He would give me praise all the time. One day, he said, "Amazing job," and my response was, "Oh, yeah, I did my best." Then he looked at me and said, "Hey, say thank you. That's it. When somebody gives you a compliment, just say thanks, accept it."'

This is how many of us receive affection from our kids.

'I love you, mommy.' 'I love you too, but we really need to hurry up.'

'You're the best daddy.' 'Okay, okay, eat your vegetables.'

'I made this for you.' 'That's nice, but don't make a mess.'

We deflect. We rush. We're already thinking about the next thing.

'It's become a pattern of mine now that if somebody gives me a compliment, I look them in the eyes and I say thank you, and I really try and embrace that little moment.'

When your child offers you love, look them in the eyes. Say thank you. Embrace the moment.

Just accept it.

2-3yr3-4yr4-6yremotionscommunicationplay

PM Theme: Accepting feedback gracefully

Parenting Theme: Receiving your child's love fully

Quotes that inspired this tip
He said, 'Hey, say thank you. That's it. When somebody gives you a compliment, just say thanks, accept it.' It's become a pattern of mine now that if somebody gives me a compliment, I look them in the eyes and I say thank you, and I really try and embrace that little moment.Andy Johns · 00:54:31
Tip illustration