This is a skill we should be instilling in our children — the ability to be forthright without being some 4- or 7-letter word.

The world is full of people-pleasers and ego-maniacs, and it's not hard to see who wins out when they meet.

The people-pleasers don't want to be rude or disappoint, and the ego-maniacs take pride in being abrasive.

But the people-pleasers end up disappointing many to avoid disappointing one, and the ego-maniacs only win out because they're usually only left with people-pleasers around them.

Above every other skill I could think of, if I could guarantee only one for my children to be granted, it would be the confidence to say what they want and don't want with honesty and kindness.