John Franz thinks he has one great mom. Oprah Winfrey agrees with him. So Oprah flew Barbara Franz to Chicago on Wednesday to tape one of her monthly ” Great Moms” shows. John’s mother was chosen because of her Inspirational Parenting. Despite his systemic Rheumatoid Arthritis a disease that affects the joints and organs she remains as one of his greatest coaches. Barbara is from the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. In John’s letter he describes a secret baseball signal he has with his mom.

Each time he steps up to bat, she points to her heart to remind him he can do it.

Think of all the non verbal signals we could create to assist our children in making the right choices at home and school and letting them know we are here to strengthen them as they grow!

A circular motion on the right shoulder to trigger the child to give the task they are undertaking is worth making an additional effort .

I love you with the two middle fingers held down by the thumb! Sign for I Love You!

For the harder task a circular rub of the stomach area ending with a clenched fist that shows this is going to take persistence and perseverance You have to have Guts- It’s going to take fortitude!

Showing a large C made with a hand held over the heart to remind child to lead with empathy and compassion.

Open hand showing five fingers outstretched over the heart signifying open your heart to a new Idea.

– Gene Bedley