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 an incredible guest. He helps Little Shots like our favorite star achieve their dreams. Please welceom… Little Shot’s mentor!

Little Shot’s Mentor – Hello there! It’s great to be back!

Tasha – Thank you for coming back to share more with Little Shot’s friends!

Little Shot’s Mentor – I’m happy to be here. Thank you for having me back!

Tasha – Today, I want us to talk about the time period after Little Shot became a Big Shot, also known as a shooting star. I’m confused by the way she started acting.

Little Shot’s Mentor – Well, it’s unfortunately pretty typical. Even with the most level-headed stars, success can get to their heads. The newest Big Shots sometimes have a hard time with their newfound success. 

Tasha – Hmmm… that’s interesting.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey, friends, that’s you… the one listening to this podcast. Have you ever seen this within yourself or others? Maybe someone gets the game winning point or they get a special award. It’s great to be excited and to feel happy; however, sometimes people start acting like they’re better than others. That’s not so great. If you have ever done this, it’s okay. We have all made mistakes and said or done things we aren’t proud of. Keep listening so you can learn how to improve next time. * SOUND

Tasha –  Mentor, you said it’s pretty typical. What usually happens with the newest big Shots?

Little Shot’s Mentor – In our community, it’s a big deal to become a Big Shot because it’s not very common. When someone accomplishes this, everyone around them gets very excited and gives the newest Big Shots special attention.

Tasha – That sounds like a fun celebration.

Little Shot’s Mentor – Oh, it is. It also can start creeping in on the Big Shot’s mind. They might start believing they are better or more important than others. None of us matters more than anybody else. We all matter. 

Tasha – True! Why did Little Shot start acting this way especially since she has a good family, you, her friend… she even kept her name as Little Shot to remind herself of who she is.

Little Shot’s Mentor – Well… I have to admit I was a bit surprised with Little Shot for those reasons. She also shared her concerns with me before she became a Big Shot. Even when we have a plan, we don’t know how we will respond until we are in a situation.

Tasha – Yeah, that makes sense. It’s easy to say, “I would do this or that in that person’s situation.” Until we have lived an experience, we don’t know for sure how we would respond.

• SOUND Tasha interactive – Hey friends, have you ever done that? Maybe a friend tells you something that happened to them. You might respond – You know what I would have done? I would have… then you tell them what you would have done. While it is important to maintain our strong character values and to make good choices, oftentimes, we don’t know how we would handle something unless it’s happened to us. This is a great way to practice humility. Don’t worry, we’ll talk more about humility in a second.* SOUND

Tasha –  Mentor, was Little Shot surprised that she was acting like she was better than others after he became a Big Shot?

Little Shot’s Mentor – It took her awhile to realize how she was acting, but I could tell she knew something wasn’t right. She wasn’t like herself.

Tasha – What helped her realize it?

Little Shot’s Mentor – Little Shot went to see her grandma. That’s when her grandma told Little Shot she needed to practice humility.

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

Little Shot’s Mentor – 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 – That is great advice and is probably easier said than done. 

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! We have already talked about a couple of ways to practice humility through self-reflection. Remember when I asked you if you have ever felt or acted like you were better than others? That’s self-reflection. How about when I shared with you that we don’t know how we would handle something unless it’s happened to us. That’s also a way to practice humility. Right now, I would love for you to think of something you’ve done really well. I hope you are smiling while you think of it. It’s okay to feel happy and excited, perhaps even proud of yourself. Please remember even though you do something really well, it doesn’t make you a better person than anybody else. We all matter. * SOUND

Tasha – Mentor, did you ever experience this when you were a new Big Shot?

Little Shot’s Mentor – Pshew! Unfortunately, yes. I was one of the youngest Big Shot’s on the team, and it felt really good. I kind of lost my way for a little while because I wasn’t just being treated like I was special… I started feeling like I was more special than others.

Tasha – Why didn’t you tell Little Shot this to help her?

Little Shot’s Mentor – Sometimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes. I wasn’t sure Little Shot would respond the way she did, but I am always sure Little Shot will get back on track. She’s a good kid and even good kids can make bad choices sometimes.

Tasha – So, she’s never been bad?

Little Shot’s Mentor – No! Just like all of us, she’s made some bad choices, but she learns from them. She does her best to become better because of them. It’s very rare to meet anyone who is truly bad.

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey friends, I hope you hear me when I say this… just because you have made one or many bad choices does not make you bad… or anyone else for that matter. Keep learning from your mistakes and try to do better. I’m 42 years old, which is much, much older than you, and I still make mistakes. You have had around 10 years or less to figure out life so please be kind to yourself as you learn. Little Shot’s mentor and I believe in you!* SOUND

Tasha – Mentor, you mentioned how you started thinking you were better than others. We know Little Shot’s grandma helped her through her experience. What helped you?.

Little Shot’s Mentor – It was the moment of hurt I saw on one of my friend’s faces. I’m not proud of this, and it’s embarrassing to admit it, but I was bragging about how good I was as a Big Shot

Tasha – Bragging?

Little Shot’s Mentor – Yeah, bragging is when we talk about how impressive we are. It’s different than sharing when we are excited about something we have done. SHaring excitement is good! Bragging or saying, “I’m the best at being a Big Shot. Nobody has ever been as good as me.” Well, that’s not the best choice. Bragging is hurtful.

Tasha – Oh, I see what you mean. Were you bragging to your friend?

Little Shot’s Mentor – It gets worse. I was bragging about being the best Big Shot to someone else and my friend who was also a Big Shot overheard me.

Tasha – So, your friend overheard you saying that you were better than them?

Little Shot’s Mentor –  Yep. The look of hurt on my friend’s face made me realize I needed to make some changes. 

Tasha – What did you do?

Little Shot’s Mentor –  I took some time to think about why I was a Big Shot, how I was acting and treating others, and my thoughts. Then, I took action.

• SOUND Tasha interactive –  Hey, friends! Have you ever said something that hurt someone else? Keep listening because Little Shot’s mentor is going to share how to make it right with that person.* SOUND

Tasha – Mentor, what kind of action?

Little Shot’s Mentor –  After my self-reflection, I apologized to my friend who was an incredible Big Shot. Then, I started encouraging others around me. Anytime I could ask questions and listen to someone else’s successes, I did it. I congratulated and encouraged them. I still have a few stars that I share my successes with because it is fun to be excited and to celebrate, but I don’t focus on that anymore.

Tasha – I wonder if you would have ever been Little Shot’s mentor if you hadn’t changed your mindset and focus.

Little Shot’s Mentor – Probably not. I’ll tell you what – watching Little Shot become a Big Shot has been far more rewarding than anything I have ever done. I feel that way about anyone I have helped become a Big Shot.

Tasha – That’s a beautiful life~ Around this time of your life, you started writing in a Big Shot Journal just like Little Shot does.

Mentor – I sure did! 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 Mentor – 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 Mentor! I am certain you have inspired whoever is listening wherever they are.

Little Shot’s Mentor – Thank you for having me! I always love encouraging others to go for their dreams!

Tasha – I enjoyed learning from you today, Little Shot’s Mentor, 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?  What is a moment that makes you feel really happy or even proud? What did you accomplish? Write down who helped you (remember your teachers!) and what you learned.
2. Have you ever been told you are bad? Well, you’re not bad. Write down a mistake you have made that makes you feel like you’re bad. What did you learn from that experience? How have you become better? Now, list 3 reasons why you are good.
3. Who is someone that has accomplished a goal or experienced something exciting recently? Ask that person all about it! Be happy for them and encourage them.

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, grown-ups! Here are 2 quick thoughts for you whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator: 

Number 1: I know we want to protect our kids. In many situations, it is crucial we protect our kids. However, sometimes the best way to learn is by making mistakes. Have you always followed the advice someone has given you? If you’re like me, the answer is no… even if that person has an experience we should learn from. Obviously, protect your kids if they are in danger, but allow the world to teach them some things. For example, if your child forgets their homework, the first time of the school year go get it if you can, even if it’s inconvenient. Let your child know, the next time he or she will have to face the consequences. There may be exceptions to this rule based on your child’s special needs. For most kids, it’s important they learn responsibility and natural consequences. It’s not fun as a parent sometimes, but we have to love our kids enough to allow them to learn from their mistakes.

Number 2: Calling children good or bad when they do the right or wrong thing is teaching them that their level of goodness is based on their actions. Even though I don’t know who you are, I believe you are most likely a good person. I know without a shadow of a doubt you’re not perfect, neither am I. We both have probably said and done things we aren’t proud of and would do differently in the future. Those things don’t make us bad. We made a bad choice. Just like kids who have only had a short time period to figure out life. If kids believe they are only good if they do good things or they are bad, it’s potentially setting them up for anxiety and a distorted sense of self. Remind your kids, even good people make bad choices sometimes. It’s what we do after we make a bad choice that matters most.

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