A friend posted this poem on her Facebook the other day and it brought back parenting memories. I wish I’d had it to share with my children way back when.

I always told them to smile at everyone they met. It let people know they were friendly and sociable. More importantly, I said, “the other person could be having a bad day and your smile might brighten it.”

When I read the poem, I immediately thought of Dr. Seuss. I’d never heard of Spike Milligan and when I researched him, I was surprised that a supposedly bi-polar, depressed man would create something so cute.

Smiles denote happiness and love. I can’t help but smile at the joy my grandchildren experience when they accomplish something such as taking that first step or hitting a ball, making cookies or winning a video game. My heart swells and my lips twitch with pride when I reflect on my children’s successful careers.

Smiles make us approachable, paves the way to laughter. Who can resist laughing at a child who giggles continuously over something so simple as making a face or racing your fingers across the table? Who can resist smiling as they watch puppies or kittens playfully attack one another. Or watch a video of someone scaring someone else. Remember the phrase, “Smile, You’re on Candid Camera?”

It’s true, smiles are infectious. You can’t help but smile back. On more than one occasion I have watched someone I knew to be in a bad mood, return my smile when I approached them.

What about you? Do you smile at everyone? Has your smile made a difference in someone’s day? Better yet, has someone’s smile made a difference in your day?