Building My Self-Esteem

Margot: We're going to the doctor because Jolly is itchy.
Me: Jolly's doctor is called a vet. That's what you call a doctor for animals. Jolly is a dog and a dog is a kind of animal.
Margot: We're going to the vet.

[some time passes]

Margot: A dog is a kind of animal.
Me: That's right, a dog is a kind of animal!
Margot: Very good, Mama! You remembered! A dog is a kind of animal! Good job, Mama!

She was genuinely proud of me for remembering the fact that I had just taught her. Those are the sort of low expectation situations in which I can shine!