Children have a sharper memory than most, so the things you say to them do stick. You want conversations with your child to become memories they eventually look back on as adults for strength and inspiration.
Encouraging kids for their efforts can help them develop the confidence they need to navigate childhood and, later on, adulthood. Think about how your mom and dad used to encourage you to explore new things. Doesn’t that still fill you with confidence even today? That’s the kind of impact you want your words to have on your child.
Today, we’ll look at phrases that when spoken to young children will stay with them for the rest of their lives. These words might not mean as much without actions, but they are powerful nonetheless. Feel free to add more confidence-boosting words to brighten your child’s days and steer them to the path of kindness you want them to be on for the rest of their lives.
Encouraging Words to Tell Your Children
When backed by action, the following phrases can be life-changing for your little ones:
- I love you.
- I always think about you.
- I will always protect you.
- I believe in you.
- You light up my world.
- Be kind.
- You are stronger than you think.
- You are loved by many.
- There are times when I will say no.
- You make my world better.
- You can do it.
- It’s alright to say no.
- You are strong and deserving.
- Your ideas are great.
- What your heart tells you matters.
- Your words and actions have power.
- There is power in emotions.
- Sometimes, you can’t let your emotions get the better of you.
- Kindness matters most.
- Be the best friend you can be.
- Never hesitate to lend a helping hand.
- Disagreeing with someone doesn’t mean you shouldn’t respect them.
- Don’t let anyone disrespect you.
- Someone mistreating you isn’t an excuse for you to mistreat them.
- It’s okay not to have everything together sometimes.
- It’s alright to lean on someone.
- I make mistakes too.
- You learn, and you grow.
- Mistakes can become lessons.
- Life is not going to be easy.
- You matter.
- Take care of your body.
- Mistakes won’t make you any less beautiful.
- What do you think?
- How is that done?
- How interesting1
- That’s very creative.
- Thank you for helping out.
- It’s more fun with you around.
- I’m happy we get to spend time together.
- You make me proud.
- You make me happy to be your mom or dad.
- You are the gift I am most grateful for.
How Words Encourage Children
It has been proven that how adult figures, particularly parents, deliver praise to children ultimately impacts how they navigate adult life. Hence, when speaking words or phrases of encouragement to your little ones, you want to address effort instead of talent.
Always encourage your kids who give their best efforts. They could be especially good at something or particularly bad at it; they’re waiting to hear your words as they put effort into their activity. In that way, they’ll know it won’t matter how well or badly they do so long as they gave their all.
You also have to be more specific with your phrases of encouragement since generalizing might not be as effective. It’s important to address the actual tasks your kids are trying to accomplish. For instance, if they are drawing or writing, mention specifically which parts of the activity they’re doing so well in.
Furthermore, while praise is good, too much of it might get to your child’s head that they won’t be willing to put as much effort into things. An abundance of praise can easily lead to overconfidence, which is not an attractive quality for anyone. Remember that your goal is to encourage in a way that positively impacts your child’s life.
Sincerity and honesty are important when giving praise. A slight insincerity in your tone is easily picked up on and will fail to deliver its intended effect on your little one. Instead, your child will feel discouraged by the fake praise, which might cause him or her to start self-criticizing.
In the same vein, you should avoid conditional and controlling encouragement. Praising to control can make your child think that your approval is solely dependent on getting fantastic results. It can diminish your child’s self-worth and potentially lead him or her to experiencing major confidence issues later on in life.
Why Encourage Your Child
Words and affirmations of encouragement can boost self-esteem, self-belief, creativity development, and motivation. It can encourage children to give their very best in everything they do. This matters more than any amazing result ever could because it develops a well-rounded character.
Sure, positive words can sometimes sound contrived, particularly when you say them over and over. But look at it this way: it’s perfectly okay that they do for as long as it means the words stick and make a positive impact on your little ones.
A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.