I returned this week from visiting my parents in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

When I walked in the door, who do you think was the most excited that I was home? Well it was Wally, of course! Wally, my sweet, delinquent fluff ball of a Wheaten Terrier. He was all over me with excitement!

That’s one of the best parts about having a dog, right? They are always happy to see you, regardless of the mood you’re in.

It feels nice to be loved, to be welcomed warmly and enthusiastically, and to know you are wanted in that space just the way you are.

When we prioritize big warm greetings, we offer that same thing to our people.

You as the adult are 100 percent responsible for the warmth created between you and your child. Greetings are a big part of that!

How you greet your child shows them they are a priority, and sets the tone for the rest of the day. Warm good mornings are the quickest way to establish a positive trajectory for the day’s interactions.

A lot of us show up to pick up our child from school or an activity completely distracted. Maybe we are on a phone call or answering an email, or we rush through wake-ups with “gotta get moving” frantic energy. Let’s be honest, no one wants to be greeted that way! When a connection has been severed by time and distance, it must be re-established.

Instead, bring your full self to your greetings. Plant your feet. Smile. Make eye contact. Be singularly focused on your child, and you will set both yourself and your child up for a better day ahead.

Focusing on your greetings is your homework this week!

One way to practice this is to stop what you are doing and give your full attention to reconnecting.

Give your child 3 minutes.

Move toward them with no agenda, no Spanish Inquisition (How was your day? Can you tell me about it?). Just 3 minutes reminding them that you like them, 3 minutes delighting in their presence.

I'll be waiting to hear how it goes...