Never tell a child

Never tell a child he's special.
Because one day someone will tell him "you're all the same to me", and break his heart.

Never tell a child he's the best.

Because one day someone will tell him "he won because he was better than you," and break his heart.

Never tell a child he's gifted.

Because one day someone will tell him "we are sorry to reject you, but you're just not gifted enough," and break his heart.

Never tell a child he's the smartest little boy you know.

Because one day someone will tell him "I'm sorry, but he's smarter than you, because he got there first," and break his heart.

Never tell a child he's oh so beautiful.

Because one day someone will walk right past him and break his heart.

Never tell a child that anything is possible.

Because one day someone will tell him "astronaut? Don't be ridiculous, pick something more plausible," and break his heart. 

Never tell a child that no one can stop him from doing what he wants to.

Because one day someone'll send him an envelope saying "rejected," and it will break his heart.

Never tell a child that he's meant to do great things. 

Because one day someone'll ask him "what makes you think you can change anything?" and it will break his heart.

Never tell a beautiful, talented, special child what he is.

Because he believes you.