Mums and dads — you are probably the biggest influence on the lives of your children. What you say to them on a daily basis can have a huge impact on their development, if spoken in a positive way.
Don’t miss the many chances you are given every day to show your little ones through your words just how much you love and care for them… and this doesn’t just have to be through telling them “I love you.”
Here are 13 things you could say to your children every day that will help them grow up happy, confident and capable of realising their dreams.
1. Do not give up
Sometimes, doing even little things around the house or at school may seem like a hard task to your little ones. This is because they are not fully aware of their abilities.
If you hear your child saying “But I can’t”, encourage them to give it their best shot and they may actually surprise themselves.
2. I believe in you
Tell and show your little one that you are their number one fan and that you will believe in them, no matter what.
3. You are clever
Sometimes when kids struggle with their schoolwork, they may feel less accomplished than their peers.
If this happens, praise their intelligence and smartness whenever they display it, which will boost their self-confidence for sure.
4. Always do your best
Teach your child to always try their very best in whatever situation they may find themselves in and never settle for anything less.
This lesson will serve them well right through their lives.
5. We learn with practice
Some parents prefer to stick to more conventional ways of learning to cycle.
Children tend to give up after just one try if they find a task difficult. By showing them the importance of practice, you are helping them understand that it (practice) doesn’t change the issue, but increases their ability to perform.
6. I’m here for you whenever you need me
Create a sense of safety and security for your child by telling him that you and other loved ones will always be there for him.
This will help him reach out to you – especially when he is older – in instances when he needs support, instead of bottling up his emotions.
7. I think about you when we’re apart
When we leave our kids at home or school and head out to run errands or go to work, it’s possible they may feel abandoned.
Reassure them that this is not the case by telling them that you always think of them when you are not together.
8. You make me so happy
Parents have adults problems to deal with, and sometimes, this stress may show on their faces. In order to prevent your little one from thinking that he is the cause of this stress, tell him often how happy he makes you.
9. You can change your mind
As long as changing their mind doesn’t negatively affect another person, teach your little ones that sometimes, decisions are not set in stone and it’s okay to change their mind about something if they realise they made the wrong decision.
10. You are beautiful
Telling your kids that they are beautiful on the inside and outside, will help them feel good about themselves and boost their self-esteem.
11. How did you do that?
Even if your child shows you a simple Lego creation, ask him how he did it. This not just shows him that you are genuinely interested in what he does, but describing it will help him express himself and develop his communication skills.
12. Thank you
We often forget to express gratitude to our kids, taking their assistance around the house or elsewhere for granted (because they are our kids!).
Try to avoid doing this and thank them for even the tiniest thing they do for you. This will teach them gratitude and politeness.
13. You are really interesting
A child’s chatter and questions can seem never-ending, especially when they are young and love talking to you about every little thing they did.
Don’t ignore or zone out on your little chatterbox. Show genuine interest in what he has to say, and even more important, tell him that you think what he’s telling you is really interesting.
What would you add to this list of positive and powerful things to tell your child? Let us know in a comment below.