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5 Things to Say to Your Child Every Day

I love to play with Play-Doh with my kids. The feel of the clay being molded and shaped in my hands takes me back to my own childhood. As long as Play-Doh is handled and stored well, it remains soft and malleable. However, when it is not properly treated, it becomes brittle and hard. Our words have the same effect with our kids. Harsh words can harden their hearts while words of love and affirmation will soften them. Tender words increase your ability to speak into your kids’ lives during their formative years and beyond.

A lot of things that are good for our kids require effort on our part, like making healthy meals, following through with discipline, and helping them floss their teeth. But speaking intentional words is so easy yet so powerful. As you speak to your child over the course of the next week, try to incorporate at least one of these statements each day. Here are 5 positive things to say to your child as often as possible.

Tender words increase your ability to speak into your kids' lives during their formative years and beyond. Click To Tweet

1. “Hey, kiddo. I love you.”words of encouragement for kids

“I love you” never loses its effectiveness when it’s said on a regular basis. Tell your kids you love them. Say it every day. Say it randomly. Say it with a warm smile and eye contact.

2. “So what are your plans for the day?”

This is not just about knowing but about interest. It means a lot to kids that their mom cares about what they’re up to and takes time to hear what they’re tackling that day. Find out what their greatest stresses are and what they are looking forward to the most.

3. “I am so grateful to be your mom.”

Our children need to know how we feel about being their parents. So much is lost when communication breaks down and kids stop relating to their moms or dads. Let them know that you are proud and thankful they are your kids and no one else’s. This communicates not only that you love them but that you like them as well.

4. “Have a great day at school, and don’t forget who you are.”

Your children are growing into their identities and sense of self every day. I teach my kids the most important attribute of their identity is that they’re children of God. After that, it’s their identity as a member of our family. If you don’t have a family mission statement yet, create one so your kids can measure their behavior next to what you’ve set as a standard for your family. Then, for example, if they’re faced with a temptation to be dishonest, they’ll think, “We’re the Smiths and the Smiths don’t lie.”

5. Words of Affirmation

Words of affirmation are more than compliments. Unlike “I think” statements, affirmations are said with an assertion that something is factual. Affirmations delivered with firm conviction from someone who loves, knows, and believes in them can have a profound impact on your kids. Here are great ideas if you’re not sure what to say. Give affirmations every day, and make it a goal that your kids start to affirm themselves.

What are some other positive things to say to your child?

ASK YOUR CHILD...

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