Intro Music

Tasha – Welcome to the Little Shot Podcast where big dreams begin with little shots like you. I’m your host, Tasha Eizinger, author of The Little Shot picture book series, and I will be interviewing the main characters in The Little Shot books. They are all excited to share their stories with you, my friend! I have loved doing these interviews because you will get to hear some of the back stories that couldn’t be shared in the books.
This is the place where we talk about big dreams, character values, and what it takes to shine bright in this world. Whether you’re a kid or a caregiver, this podcast is for you. So, bring us along on your car ride, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, or get comfy in your classroom as we dive in to today’s episode.

Tasha – Today’s episode is based on the first book in The Little Shot series called The Little Shot: Courage. Courage is leading from your heart despite your fear. To learn more about living courageously, we have a wonderful guest. He’s the one that taught Little Shot about discipline, sacrifice, and the power of persistence. Please welcome… Little Shot’s dad!

Little Shot’s Dad – Hello, everyone! It’s an honor to be here. Watching Little Shot grow into who she is today has been one of the greatest joys of my life.

Tasha – I’m sure it’s been incredible watching her grow! She is definitely a big dreamer.

Little Shot’s Dad – That’s for sure! Dreaming big dreams and making them happen isn’t easy. They take effort, practice, and some courage. But it’s okay that they aren’t easy. Every challenge is an opportunity to get better. Today, I want to talk to YOU, the kids listening, about how to tackle your dreams head on.

Tasha – Let’s start with the moment Little Shot came to you and asked how to become a Big Shot.

Little Shot’s Dad – She was so sincere. Her eyes were full of hope, and I could tell she wasn’t just asking for fun. She really wanted to know. So, I had to tell her the truth. She would have to make sacrifices and be disciplined for a long time.

Tasha – Hey, friends, that’s you… the one listening to this podcast. Sacrifices means giving up something now so you can reach a bigger goal later. Like maybe skipping a video game to practice something important. And discipline means sticking with it even when you don’t feel like it. Can you think of something you’ve worked hard at? Maybe learning how to ride a bike or practicing a sport or instrument? What did you have to give up to get better?*

Tasha – Dad, I’m glad you were honest about what it takes for Little Shot to live her dreams instead of telling her just to go for it or that it’s too big of a goal so don’t try.

Little Shot’s Dad – Exactly. I wanted her to understand that dreams aren’t just about wishing. They’re about working towards them to make them happen. Sacrifices aren’t just about losing. It’s about choosing. Choosing what matters most to you.

Tasha – I love that perspective! Sometimes we think making a sacrifice is almost a punishment, but it’s actually a choice to focus on what matters most.

Little Shot’s Dad – Yeah, it’s not easy, but it’s important to make good choices. Discipline isn’t very fun either, but it’s a bridge between living the dreams in our heart and living them in reality.

Tasha – It’s nice to have dreams in our heart, but it sure is better living them in real life!

SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, what’s one small sacrifice you could make this week to help you grow? Maybe it’s turning off the screen to read or doing some chores around your house to help your family. How can you be more disciplined with something that will help you live better? Maybe it’s remembering to brush your teeth every morning and every night or flossing. All of these little actions make a big difference! * SOUND

Tasha – Dad, Little Shot wasn’t sure about making sacrifices and being disciplined. I can’t blame her! How did you help her decide to go for her dream of becoming a Big Shot? To our friends listening, we call Big Shots shooting stars.

Little Shot’s Dad – I asked her a simple question, “Won’t it be worth it?” That question helped her remember what all she would be gaining instead of what she would be giving up.

Tasha – That’s such an important question! Sometimes we can ask it, and we realize it’s not worth it. But, sometimes we ask it, and we know in our hearts it’s ultimately worth it.

Little Shot’s Dad – Once you decide it’s worth it, then you can take action. I helped Little Shot build routines. After she had a Big Shot who could teach her the steps, we created a practice schedule, set small goals, and celebrated progress not perfection.

Tasha – That is great advice and is probably easier said than done.

SOUND Tasha interactive – Friends, what is something you have done that was once hard to do? Maybe it was learning to ride your bike, asking someone to be your friend, or finishing your homework. How did you feel when you were done? Relieved? Proud? Grateful? Happy? Let this experience give you confidence that you can continue to do hard things and that doing hard things is worth it. * SOUND

Tasha – Dad, so was she robotic and always doing the same thing every day?

Little Shot’s Dad – No way! It’s important to remember rest is part of discipline, too. There’s a balance between challenging yourself and pushing it too hard. Certain things like brushing your teeth every morning and every night have to happen because it keeps you healthy. But, when she was sick, she didn’t push through practice. She slept and rested to get healthier faster.

Tasha – Thank you for reminding us that rest and taking of ourselves is an important part of going for our dreams.

Little Shot’s Dad – Sometimes we forget that a big goal is just made up of small steps. Each one of those small steps over time gets us closer to our dreams. Little Shot kept going when she felt tired, frustrated, and unsure. But every practice, she learned something, got a little stronger, and became more confident. She did her best everyday… and everyday her best looked different – whether it was a day for a challenging practice or a day she needed to rest.

Tasha – I like that. Doing our best doesn’t mean pushing ourself to the point of getting sick or having a break down.

SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, it’s time to create your discipline spark! Wiggle your fingers and repeat after me: I do my best every day even when it’s hard… I challenge myself and give myself rest time! Keep wiggling your fingers and say it again: I do my best every day even when it’s hard… I challenge myself and give myself time to rest. Great job! You just created your discipline spark.* SOUND

Tasha – Dad, when Little Shot was frustrated and unsure, what did you do?

Little Shot’s Dad – I listened. I let her feel what she was feeling and didn’t rush to fix it. Then, I reminded her why she started and why it mattered. She wanted to be a Big Shot to give others hope which helped her keep going.

Tasha – Sometimes the best encouragement is not feeling alone. It’s good that she knew it was okay to feel how she felt and was given that opportunity.

Little Shot’s Dad – Yeah, hard feelings aren’t bad. It’s what we do with that matters. I also reminded her that every Big Shot has felt the way she was feeling at one point. The ones who became a Big Shot kept going anyways. They kept learning. They kept getting better.

Tasha – She did keep going and thought she was ready to become a Big Shot; however, instead of soaring across the sky, she started falling. At first, she thought she failed. What did you think?

Little Shot’s Dad – I was so proud of her for trying her best! It’s okay when we don’t succeed the first time or the second time… the whole point is to keep going. Little Shot was so courageous to even try! I hope our friends listening choose to live a courageous life.

Tasha – That’s a big word! What does courage mean to you?

Little Shot’s Dad – Courage is leading from your heart despite your fear. That means if there is something in your heart you know is the right thing to do or it’s something that’s important to you, as long as it’s safe, you should do it… even if you’re afraid.

Tasha – I think sometimes we think courageous acts mean the person or star was never afraid, but that’s not true.

SOUND Tasha interactive – Friends, can you think of a time you tried your best but didn’t achieve your goal? What did you learn? How can you get better? Who can you ask for help? If it really matters to you, keep going. Little Shot’s dad and I believe in you! * SOUND

Tasha – Dad, you have shared some great tips to keep going. Do you have any other advice?

Little Shot’s Dad – Remember, big dreams are built one step at a time. Don’t forget to celebrate those steps! Too many people wait until the very end to celebrate, but cheering yourself on along the way keeps your energy strong.

Tasha – What are some ways you recommend celebrating?

Little Shot’s Day – Oh… It doesn’t have to be anything big. It can be sharing your excitement with someone who will be excited with you. You can write about how you feel in a journal. You can jump up and down, dance around, or simply say – I did it! Please make sure you’re not doing this to brag or make someone else feel bad.

Tasha – Life can be hard so it is important to celebrate small moments. They sure do help us keep going.

SOUND Tasha interactive – Friends, let’s do a quick celebration together. Think of something you have accomplished in your life… Pump your fist in the air and say, “I did it!” Ready? 3… 2… 1… I did it! Doesn’t that feel good? * SOUND

Little Shot’s Dad – Ha! This is great! Celebrating is fuel for the journey. Another simple way to celebrate what you have learned is to color the journal at the back of The Little Shot books.

Tasha – Yes, the journal page is at the back of each book. If our friends listening don’t have a book, that’s okay. They can get the journal page at www.thelittleshot.com/kids to print it off and color it.

Little Shot’s Dad – They can also create their own page with a blank piece of paper and whatever they want to write with. There will be journal ideas at the end of this episode.

Tasha – Great idea! I’m sure our friends are creative. Thank you so much for being here today, Little Shot’s Dad! I am certain you have inspired whoever is listening wherever they are.

Little Shot’s Dad – Thank you for having me! I want all of our friends to know, when I see Little Shot soaring across the sky, I don’t just see a shooting star. I see her story. I see a spark that refused to go out. Friends, don’t let fear stop you from trying. Live courageously. I believe in you!

Tasha – That’s beautiful. Thank you, again, for being here, Little Shot’s dad. I enjoyed learning from you today!

Closing:

Tasha –
SOUND And thank you, friends, for joining us today! Remember, every Big Shot started out as a Little Shot. Keep believing, keep practicing, and keep shining your light. Stay tuned after the brief ad to get your Big Shot journal questions and to hear tips for caregivers.
SOUND

Tasha – This episode is brought to you by…SOUND

Did you know at the back of every Little Shot book there is a Big Shot journal page? It’s a coloring page for the copy you have at home. Please don’t color the one at your local library! If you can’t write down the Journal questions right now, you can access them at thelittleshot.com/kids. If you’re not able to write answers, that’s okay! Draw a picture instead.

What is one thing you learned today that you want to try this week? You could journal about one or all 3 of these things:

1. How do you want to live with courage? Is it asking a friend to play or trying something new?

2. What is an area you can be more disciplined? Is it remembering to brush your teeth twice a day? Flossing? Is it practicing even when you don’t feel like it?

3. What is a small sacrifice you can make? Is it turning off the TV to read or journal or create something artistic? Is it helping your family by doing the dishes one night? Is it cleaning your room?

You can answer 1 or all of 3 of those in your journal by writing about it or drawing a picture. Don’t want to put it on paper? You can talk about it with someone you trust. Every small step takes you closer to becoming a Big Shot!

SOUND Tasha – Hey, caregivers! Here are 2 quick thoughts for you whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator:

Number 1: Big emotions are okay as long as everyone is safe. Help your child name their emotions. “It looks like you’re feeling…” Then, give them some ways to help them through their emotions. Sometimes with my kids, I have to wait to redirect them until they have calmed down. For example, it looks like you’re feeling sad. Do you want to talk about it? Listen to their answer. Would you like a hug or to have me sit with with you? I’m sure you get the picture of what I’m saying.

Number 2: Reframe sacrifices as choices. We choose to brush our teeth so we hopefully won’t get cavities. We choose to turn off the TV so we can spend time together as a family. If you can give them the benefit of why they are giving something up, you are helping them learn how to reframe it in their own minds. Some of this is much easier said than done. Just keep doing your best grown-ups. I know guiding children can be very challenging, and I know you’re doing great!

Tasha – Thank you for listening to today’s episode! To access more free resources, please go to thelittleshot.com/kids. If you liked this episode, please share it with a friend, family member, teacher, or someone who needs some hope.
Until next time, I’m Tasha Eizinger, author of The Little Shot series, keep your chin up, your heart open, and your dreams soaring. 3… 2… 1… WISHHHH Outro Music