Lately, I’ve been giving Anderson more responsibilities around the house—little things that stretch him just enough to build confidence without overwhelming him. And let me tell you, it’s been such a beautiful shift.
Yes, having him teach Lucy some of her homeschool lessons has been wildly successful (for both of them), but we’ve recently taken it a step further. Now, I’m also giving him “grown-up” responsibilities—like calling companies to set appointments or ask questions. Things that require real-world interaction, good manners, and just the right amount of courage.
This week I needed to know how late our vet’s office was open. Instead of calling myself (or asking Siri), I handed the task to Anderson. I asked him to Google the phone number (because let’s face it, the phone book is basically a fossil), and then we rehearsed what to say.
I told him to start with a smile—because even over the phone, people can hear it. Your voice is simply different when you’re smiling. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.
Then we practiced: “Hi! I hope you’re having a nice day. I was calling because…” Simple words, but kind ones. Words that warm up a conversation and leave a little kindness behind, regardless of the outcome.
He put the call on speaker so I could step in if needed. And sure enough, the woman on the other end sounded a little thrown at first—a kid calling the vet’s office? But then, she got it. You could hear it in her tone. She adjusted. She slowed down. She spoke with such care and clarity, like she recognized that this was a learning moment.
And it was. For all of us.
Anderson beamed when he hung up. I could see the pride in his face. He had done it. And I could practically hear the inner dialogue: I can do hard things. I can be responsible. I can make a call and be taken seriously. That kind of confidence doesn’t come from reading a book. It comes from doing.
In a world that’s rapidly becoming faceless, contactless, and non-verbal, it feels good to take a step back—to raise kids who can make eye contact, speak clearly, use good manners, and connect. That’s not just a skill; it’s a gift to the world.
And every now and then, when a stranger on the phone catches the vision too and meets your child with patience and grace? That’s when you know the village is alive and well.
Raising Light 