A Special Day Indeed
One thing I love about teaching ethical influence and persuasion is the wide range of application of the principles of influence. Understanding what triggers a “Yes!” response, then tailoring your communication can make life much easier and lead to more success. This applies to business as well as your personal life.
This week’s post is primarily for parents. I want to share an idea to help you raise your kids, or possibly grand kids. I truly believe if your child knows you love them unconditionally, that you have their best interests at heart, that they are special in your eyes, it will be easier to persuade them to do what you want them to do — what they need to do. That would include the monotonous things like eating healthy, studying hard, being kind and giving, and having good manners, among other things.
How do you convey this sense of being special? There are lots of thing you can do but I’m going to share one thing you may not have thought of — a “Special Day.” I don’t remember how I came up with this idea but right around the time our daughter Abigail was born I told my wife Jane that I’d like to have a “Special Day” for Abigail each year. After all, moms get Mother’s Day and dads get Father’s Day but kids don’t have their special day of recognition.
Here’s what we decided to do. Each year we pick a random day and I take the day off from work. We buy Abigail presents and surprise her early in the morning when we burst into her room and say, “It’s Special Day!” We give her breakfast in bed then let her open the gifts. The rest of the day revolves around her and whatever she enjoys. When she was very young it was simple things like McDonald’s for lunch and a Disney movie. Some years it’s been going to the Ohio State Fair, horseback riding, dinner at her favorite restaurant or more recently, because she’s a teenager, it’s time at the mall with lunch at one of her favorite spots.
I hope you see it doesn’t have to be lavish. The gifts aren’t many or expensive and the restaurants aren’t fancy, but that doesn’t matter because what she knows is the day is all about her. We’ve told her many times, it’s not because it’s her birthday, or Christmas or some other holiday, it’s just because we love her.
While it usually takes place in the summer because there are more things to do and Abigail is off school, the fact that it’s randomly chosen makes it a surprise and adds to the element of fun and excitement. She once remarked she enjoys her Special Day as much as her birthday and Christmas. Now that’s a good return for the effort!
One other benefit I see for your child by having a Special Day is self-esteem. Kids need to have a sense of their own identity apart from their peers. This is especially important as they become teenagers and feel pressure to conform. Something unique like a Special Day can be one way to help them see how they’re different and it can really make them feel special — loved. I don’t think Abigail has any friends who have something similar and I know it makes her feel special.
I’m taking a quick break from Carnegie and writing this in a column on influence for a couple of reasons:
- We just did her Special Day last week and it’s fresh on my mind (see photos at the top). For me the best part was simply the hug and thank you at the end of the night.
- I’ve always gotten very positive feedback from people when I’ve shared this idea so here’s a chance to share it with more people. I encourage you to think about doing something similar for your kids.
Helping You Learn to Hear “Yes!”
GREAT BLOG Brian … Really loved reading it and the Special Day Idea … I think I will incorporate that into our life.
Thanks Tobi. Believe me, Colin will be shocked in a great way. When you do it a second and third time he'll really begin to anticipate it's arrival.
Really great idea Brian. This concept can be used for family members, employees, and even business clients. I've instilled this idea with my sales team over the years. Whether it’s popping in to a client’s office just to say hello and to drop off a small gift for them or taking them out to lunch or dinner – doesn’t have to be fancy – to chat with them in a more relaxed environment. It is a great way to learn what their needs are and to let them know that they are important and special to you. It can truly open up the lines of communication.
Brian,
I'm glad you liked the concept. I think I'm preaching to the choir with you because you obviously already get it and do it.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
Brian
Hi Brian, my neighbor has three children. Although she never used the term "special day" formally, she has always made sure to spend time with each child doing something exclusively with them one by one. Like you, she recognizes the need for them to have one-on-one time with Mom and Dad; time where they don't have to battle for attention or share the spotlight.
I like that you expand the "special day" concept to other areas of life besides family. It's a fantastic way to build into others.
–Nicole
Nicole,
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment. Whatever someone chooses to call it, you can never go wrong letting someone know they're special.
Have a great day!
Brian
What a FANTASTIC idea…..!!!!! 🙂 You guys are great parents! Tell your lovely wife Jane I said hello!
Thanks Brigit. We had a great day…again!