Lifting a child's spirits..

Rightly or wrongly, I hold the view that where possible, one ought to build up the confidence and spirits of a child.

A contribution to this end is signifying approval or congratulations, when something clever/difficult/interesting/etc.. is done.

So it was a few days back when I gave a little verbal 'bravo' to Dunia, and a little clap.

She looked up at Olga after I did this, and I quietly asked 'Ol, a little clap'

Olga stared at me and said: "what? we're going to clap for everything!?..and when does this stop?.. you'll keep going until she is 30!?"

My reaction to this comment: silent shock.

Is there anyone, at any age, who doesn't enjoy a little 'bravo'? a little pat on the back? a little support?