It is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children important lessons of life. They are the ultimate role model for their children. After all these years, I still remember my father’s voice resonating in my ears when I feel demotivated, saying, “You can do it!”, and my mother’s encouraging words,” I believe in you.” What children grasp in their early years will stay with them for the rest of their lives. So, it is important for a parent to say good things to their child every day, in order to make a positive impact on their lives. These small words of wisdom will go a long way in strengthening the bond between the parent and the child. Here are 12 positive things you can tell your child every day.
1. You can do it
This phrase can really help children chase their dreams, and aim high in life. There are times when fear and doubt will prevent them from moving ahead. They require a little motivation to convince them that they can do it. Say this to your child regularly to boost their level of confidence!
2. Try it
Neophobia (fear of anything new or unfamiliar) is common among children. It’s normal for a child to not want to try riding a bicycle because they are scared, or try a new food because it looks bad. Encouraging your child to try something new can allow them to get out of their comfort zone.
3. I love you
These powerful three words can let children know that they are loved and wanted. You could say it when your child leaves for school, or when you tuck them into bed at night. Telling your child you love them gives them
someone to trust, it tells them they are valuable, it gives them hope and it produces joy in their tiny lives. If this is difficult for you, it is a sign that you really need to say it!
4. I am proud of you
Your child does not have to achieve something extra ordinary in order to hear this. Parents can be proud of their children for their kindness, compassion or determination. All these qualities are proof that you, as a parent, have raised good children. This is one of the most important things that you can tell your child as it lets them know that people care about them, and that they are on the right path. A little encouragement can make them go a long way in life!
5. I trust you
‘Trust your children more, teach them less.’ It is not up to us to decide what is right for our child. All they need is a little self confidence in order to find their way. Telling your child you trust them can strengthen the bond you share with them. They will be more open to talk and share things with you, and your trust in them will also encourage them to take good decisions.
6. Never give up
“You can do it!”, “Don’t give up!”, “Keep going!”; these words of encouragement are what makes children push themselves out of their comfort zones to face challenges and improve. Our children may fail numerous times, but instead of blaming them for it, we must think of it as an opportunity to improvise and aim higher. Remember, failure is a stepping stone to success!
7. I believe in you
Believe in your child and he will believe in himself. When a parent is always focusing on the weakness of the child, it makes them feel demotivated and inferior. They feel a big letdown if they think that they are not meeting our expectations. Focus on the strengths of your children, and believe in them, unconditionally.
8. I know you did your best
Sometimes, we as parents put too much pressure on our young ones to “perform better” or “be number one”. Instead, we must tell them that we are proud of them and that we know they did their best. This will encourage the children to never give up, and to always give their best.
9. I’m listening
In one of the Family Circus cartoon strips, the little girl looks up at her father, who is reading the newspaper, and says: “Daddy, you have to listen to me with your eyes as well as your ears.” By letting your children know that you are listening to whatever they have to say, they will be assured that you are always approachable if they need to talk to someone. Listening to your children also help build their communication skills.
10. I accept who you are
“Raise the child you have, not the one you want”. As parents, we may want our children to be a certain way, and do certain things which they may not be into. However, the vision we have for our children may not be how they actually turn out. We must accept that, and tell them that we do. Children always yearn for our approval, so even if we don’t agree with something, we should let them know that we accept them for who they are because we love them.
11. I forgive you
There are times when our children may make choices and decisions we won’t approve of. This may make us angry, and we often take this anger out on our children. We are all imperfect. These mistakes that our children make are the ones from which they can learn and grow as a person. We must let them know that we forgive them, and will constantly support them no matter what.
12. I understand you
Understanding a child is one of the most important roles of a parent. We often hear rebellious teenagers lash out at their parents for “not understanding them”; they have a valid point. Talk to your children more often to understand them; ask questions to make them share their feelings with you. It is necessary for a parent to try and understand their children, and to let them know that they do.
