Introduction:

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.

SOUND Tasha – This episode is brought to you by… SOUND

Tasha – Today’s episode is based on the second book in The Little Shot series called The Little Shot: Humility. Humility is staying grounded by remembering what it took to become successful. To learn more about living with humility, we have a special guest who knows our friend Little Shot the best. She’s loving, wise, and full of encouragement. Please welcome… Little Shot’s Dad!

Little Shot’s Dad – Hello, everyone! I’m happy to be back on your podcast. Raising Little Shot has been humbling and my greatest joy.

Tasha – Speaking of humbling, after Little Shot became a Big Shot, also known as a shooting star, you started noticing some concerning changes in her.

Little Shot’s Dad – Yes, at first she was really happy to be a Big Shot. Well, we all were happy for her. However, she started to focus more on herself and how important she thought she had become. There was a moment that I noticed she was really changing though. She told me she was going to play with her friends.

Tasha – So, she didn’t ask permission?

Little Shot’s Dad – It wasn’t just that. It was her tone of voice. She didn’t say it with confidence or even curiosity. She sounded entitled like she was a boss instead of my child.

Tasha – Oh. That surprises me because I know that you teach speaking with love and respect in your home.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey, friends, that’s you… the one listening to this podcast. Have you ever said something and realized you were trying to be the boss? Have you ever said something and your tone of voice came across as harsh or unkind? We have all done this before. It’s important to remember our words and our tone of voice matter. Listen to this – You did a great job! You… did a great job… Do you hear the difference? Which one sounds kinder? Right, the first one. You did a great job! We always want to remember that it matters what we say and how we say it. * SOUND

Tasha –  So, dad, what did you do after she spoke that way?

Little Shot’s Dad – I did my best to patiently ask, “Are you telling me or asking permission?” I wanted to make sure I was showing the way we speak in our home, with love and respect. She understood and changed to asking me. We all make mistakes and none of us speaks perfectly all the time, but I’m glad she realized she needed to make an adjustment.

Tasha – That’s good to hear. While becoming a Big Shot was exciting, I’m sure it was a lot for her to figure out. It’s good you were patient and understanding with her.

Little Shot’s Dad – We have all needed nudges in the right direction from time to time. I didn’t want her success to get to her head so it was important to remind her of these little moments. Especially when she didn’t want to help with chores around the house.

Tasha – Well… I can’t blame her. Chores are NO fun! (laughs)

Little Shot’s Dad – laughs True! But, they still need to be done.

Tasha – You’re right. I’ll give you that.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, be honest. Do you like doing chores and helping around the house? There might be some things you don’t mind doing, but most likely you would rather be playing or doing what you want instead of doing chores. It’s okay to not love doing them, but why do you think they are important? If you don’t know, you’re about to find out.* SOUND

Tasha –  Dad, please tell us more about the chores.

Little Shot’s Dad – Our family works as a team. We are living in our house so we should all chip in to keep it clean and put together. Little Shot was trying to convince me that being a BIg Shot takes a lot of energy so she couldn’t help with doing the chores.

Tasha – I’m sure it does take a lot of hard work doing what she does.

Little Shot’s Dad – Absolutely it does! However, we make time for what’s important to us. She had enough energy to hang out with her friends, so she could definitely do a couple things around the house.

Her mom and I don’t want to think her effort should just go towards being a Big Shot. Effort should also be give at home, in relationships, and doing what needs to be done even if we don’t love it.

Tasha – That seems fair. It doesn’t seem like you were asking too much of her either. Is this a way that you were trying to teach her humility?

Little Shot’s Dad – Yep! She was straying from why she wanted to become a Big Shot which was to give others hope, and it was getting to her head. She needed to learn humility.

Tasha – Humility. That’s a big word! What does humility mean to you?

Little Shot’s Dad – Humility is staying grounded by remembering what it took to become successful. It means you remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, all of your hard work, and you understand your success didn’t happen only because of you… others helped you get here.

Tasha – It seems like you were getting her to live humility by reminding her to be respectful and helpful at home.

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! What are some ways you can live with humility? Do you show kindness to others around you? Do you help around the house or wherever you are?  Do you apologize when you mess up? These are some of the ways you can live with a humble heart.* SOUND

Tasha – Dad, what I’m gathering from you is that small things can help keep our hearts full and grounded even when we feel on top of the world.

Little Shot’s Dad – You got it! It’s the little things that go a long way. One of the questions I’ve started asking Little Shot to help her stay focused on humility is, “Are you doing your best in other areas of your life or just as a Big Shot?” It’s important that she doesn’t ruin relationships or her health in pursuit of being a Big Shot.

Tasha – I think that’s a good question for all of us to ask ourselves. We should live a life with good health and relationships while pursuing our dreams.

Little Shot’s Dad – Life is a lot more fun when we do that.

Tasha – True. What did you notice about Little Shot’s friendships?

Little Shot’s Dad – It’s been said we are the average of the 5 people we are around the most. I don’t know if that’s exactly true, but it does make sense. We start talking like our friends, dressing like our friends, and even thinking more like our friends. 

Once Little Shot became a shooting star, everyone wanted to be her friend. It started overwhelming her. I could see the changes in her, too. They were complimenting her in a way that inflated her ego instead of boosting her confidence.

Tasha – What do you mean?

Little Shot’s Dad – They were saying things like, “You’re the coolest!… Nobody is as good as you!… I want to be just like you!”

Tasha – Well, that would be nice to hear.

Little Shot’s Dad – Yeah, it’s nice to hear, but it’s fluff. Little Shot’s closest friend gave her meaningful compliments that gave her more confidence. In the first book, The Little Shot: Courage, you shared what she said, “Little Shot, you are hardworking. If you learn the steps, you can make it happen.” Her compliment was real. 

Tasha – I see what you mean. 

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! Giving and receiving compliments is special. We should say things we actually mean and encourage others in a meaningful way. What is something kind someone has said about you? How does it make you feel when you think about it? It always feels good to hear positive things about ourselves. What is something kind you have said to someone else? Have you said, “I love the details in your picture!” OR “ You’re so good at passing in soccer and being a team player. That’s one of the reasons our team is doing so well!” Think of someone you can compliment… And what you want to tell them… remember to do it soon! * SOUND

Tasha – Dad, you mentioned Little Shot’s closest friend. What happened with the 2 of them in book 2, The Little Shot: Humility?

Little Shot’s Dad – Well, Little Shot had so many new friends and felt overwhelmed which gave her less time from the friend she had for so long. She didn’t even really notice at first because she was all caught up in being a Big Shot and surrounded by so many stars. 

Tasha – I could see how that would happen. Little Shot didn’t mean to hurt her friend.

Little Shot’s Dad –  No way! She felt badly when she realized her actions hurt her friend.

Tasha – I’m glad she realized it and was able to make things right between the 2 of them.

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! We all make mistakes from time to time and can hurt people we deeply care about. It’s important to sincerely apologize when we have hurt someone. Think about how you hurt them and what you can do to make improvements. Since you get to hear the behind the scenes of the books, this is what Little Shot told her friend, “I’m sorry I got caught up in being a Big Shot and all of the attention I was getting. You are one of my dearest friends, and I miss you. From here on out, I am going to make sure we have time together… if you still want to be my friend.” Fortunately, Little Shot’s friend understood, and they are back to having fun together. * SOUND

Tasha – Dad, do you feel like Little Shot is back on track?

Little Shot’s Dad –  She sure is! I think she learned a lot about humility and won’t let being a Big Shot get to her head again.

Tasha – That sounds like our Little Shot! She keeps learning and becoming her best.

Little Shot’s Dad – Definitely! Little Shot’s Big Shot journal has helped her as she learns. I hope our friends are adding to their Big Shot journal after our episodes so they can see what they are learning. Little Shot writes down 5 key things she learns in each book. In book 2, it’s about living with humility. 

Tasha – Yes, Little Shot’s journal 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 had fun visiting with you and Little Shot’s friends!

Tasha – I enjoyed learning from you today, Little Shot’s Dad, thank you, again, for being here.  

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 humility?  Is it thanking people who have helped you get where you are today? Is it reflecting on some of the mistakes you have made and what you learned from them?
2. Who can you compliment this week, and what do you want to say? You could even make an enCOURAGEment card if you prefer.
3. Is there someone you have hurt where you need to apologize? Write down what you want to say. Remember to include saying sorry like you mean it, you know from your heart, what you did that was hurtful, and how you can do things better. Most people are very forgiving and a friend worth keeping around will be understanding.

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: Chores are an important activity for kids to participate in. My kids have more chores in the summer but less during the school year. My kids don’t get paid for their chores unless they want to do extra to make money for something they want to buy. Some people rotate chores, give their kids an allowance, or don’t have their kids do any chores. Each family does it differently so you do what makes sense for your family.

Number 2: Kids can learn how to apologize when we apologize to them. It’s okay that you’re not perfect. Being an adult all the time is hard, so we are bound to make mistakes. Please remember to say sorry to others, even kids, when you mess up.

SOUND Tasha – This episode is brought to you by… SOUND

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