Bearing a child makes you a mother or father;
Rearing a child makes you a mom or dad,

Understanding a child makes you a great parent.

Deep—and not so deep—inside most parents is the hope that they did a good job raising their children. I certainly include myself on that list. And when you get a sign that you have done so, there is no greater gift a parent can receive on Mother’s or Father’s Day. Here is such a gift that I received several years ago from my eldest daughter. What made it particularly special is that it didn’t occur on Father’s Day.

Hi Dad,

Last night I was walking around Manhattan as I often do with my friends talking about how confused we felt about our futures. And as frequently happens I said, “My dad said…” and as always happens, it made the conversation considerably better. I don’t know how many of my friends can say the same about their fathers. I am so lucky to have such a wise dad, even if he does live 3,000 miles away. See you in a few weeks.

Love, Lauren

I wouldn’t sell that note for a million bucks. And no matter how bad a day is, or how rude or annoying people are to me, or how little positive feedback I receive, I know that I matter—because there’s a piece of paper I carry in my wallet that says so.*

If you want to let your dad know that he matters, send a similar note to him this Father’s Day.

• * excerpted from: “Just Listen” Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone (PREORDER NOW0
• How to Raise a Self-Confident Child”
• “Grow Your Company without Short-Changing Your Kid”“
• Check out FREE RESOURCES