I was on a return flight from Los Angeles.  There was a boy around two years old seated across from me.  During the flight, one of the adults sitting next to him talked to the woman behind me.  It was evident they were traveling together.  Near the end of the trip, the boy referred to this woman as Mommy.  The whole journey, Andrew (I learned his name) stayed in his seat, spoke softly, played, munched and drank.

When I was getting off of the plane, I said to the mother, “Great job raising him.”  She smiled and said, “You don’t know how meaningful it is to hear a comment like that.”

But, I do.  We complain when children are too noticeable on our flights, but we do not compliment when they are a pleasure.

Positive regard.  I encourage it.