She shuffles her feet into the kitchen. Face to the floor. Holding a crumpled piece of paper. You can tell your child is discouraged. Eraser marks cover the page, math does not come easy to her. Stooping to her eye-level, you give her a huge hug and with a simple sentence you turn her day around.
“Look at this hard work! You have tried lots of different ways to get the right answer.”
Her face brightens a little.
Sitting at the counter together, you help her work through the problems again. Someday she’ll be able to figure it out herself. Until then, you’ll be there to encourage her along the way.
Slowly but surely, the words you say become your child’s inner voice
13 Encouraging Phrases for Kids
All kids need encouragement. They need to know that they are important, loved, and valued – even when they make mistakes.
Sometimes, the most simple phrase can have a powerful impact.
- I love you!
- You are special.
- I’m glad you are in our family!
- You worked hard on that!
- You made a wise choice!
- You are a helpful brother/sister/friend.
- I love spending time with you.
- I know you can do it!
- You are a great listener.
- Thank you for your help.
- I love hearing about your day.
- Your feelings are important to me.
- Your words/actions will never change my love for you.
When it comes to giving encouragement, it doesn’t have to be a gushy, over-the-top, cheerleader-style delivery.
Keep it simple.
Sprinkle a few encouraging phrases throughout the day, send an encouraging note in their lunchbox, or make it a part of your bedtime routine.
Then, listen as your words become part of your child’s vocabulary.
Instead of feeling discouraged next time she is struggling with a math problem, your daughter may tell herself, “I’m trying lots of ways to get the right answer. I know I’ll figure it out!”
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BY GUEST WRITER: NICOLE SCHWARZ
Nicole Schwarz is a mom to 3 young girls, a Parent Coach with a License in Marriage and Family Therapy, and author of Positive Parenting for Imperfect Families. Find positive parenting tips and learn more about Parent Coaching on her blog, Imperfect Families.
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DeAnn says
As a mother, grandmother and childcare provider, I have seen how these words can make a difference in a child’s life. Thank you for making the list and sharing it. A reminder for us seasoned parents and a word of encouragement for a new parents can never go wrong.
Hannah says
Hi, as someone who is really struggling with approaches to take with my at times very insecure 5 year old. This has encouraged me. I worry that somewhere along the line I have done something or said something to make her insecure. But I am really trying to find kind and gentle ways to encourage and uplift her. This was a great reminder. Thank you.
Kerneisha says
Thank you…I ma a first time mom and my daughter is 20 months. This information is very useful. Keep posting. 🙂