Sometimes sharing good news is just as exciting as receiving it. Recently, I had some work related success and when I told my mother, she screamed. When I told my mother-in-law, she told me that she could not breathe. I laughed to myself hearing these reactions but more of me wanted to cry. Out of happiness. No one will be as proud of you as your parents. Even in your 30s.

It is our job as parents to support our children wholeheartedly. We are confidence builders when they cannot find theirs, motivators when they cannot find inner strength, and their biggest fans, especially when they are not fans of themselves. Even at 14 months old, my son knows when he is receiving encouragement. He watched our reaction when he attempted to close the gate on our stairs. Naturally, we clapped for him. Now, he smiles and claps every time he does it. I will never stop clapping for him; whether it is for closing a gate or scoring his first goal or getting into college.

As children get older, their goals will grow with them. Some goals will seem simple and others will become harder and more complicated. Some will be realistic and others may seem extremely far from reach. As long as they know that we support and believe in them, it is all they need. Children have to trust that we are there for them whether they succeed or fail. It is part of life. Everyone deserves a clap for trying, not just succeeding.

At holiday time, try something different. Provide a reason of why you are proud of your children with each gift. The reasons can be anything from eating all of their fruits and veggies to trying hard during a soccer game. Highlight the great accomplishments they make every day and write them on the gift wrapping. As long as they realize they will not receive a present every time they do something positive, this is a meaningful way to show how proud you are of them.

Of course, holiday time comes and goes. Another idea that can last all year long is to create a monthly goal sheet. For each child, record with words and pictures, two or three goals they want to achieve by month's end. As they reach these goals, put a star or check mark. If they do not reach a certain goal, it will get carried over to the next month's goals. It is helpful for children to see what they want to accomplish and be able to show that they are trying to achieve it, even for a few months in a row.

Although this time of year is known as the season of giving, every season is the season of receiving; receiving high fives, claps and words of encouragement. Your children are never too young or too old to know that someone is on their side, cheering for them and making you proud.