5 Little Things To Say To Your Kids That Will Make A Big Difference
Tweet
Photo: return the sun/Creative Commons
Think of a time someone told you how great you looked and it was enough carry you through the whole day with a spring in your step. Now, think back to a time someone said you looked tired -- you spent the whole day looking in the mirror, didn't you? Words carry a lot of weight, but how often do we think of that when we talk to our kids? A few loving words can brighten their whole day, whereas an off-the-cuff comment can be soul crushing.
So often in the hustle and bustle of everyday life real communication takes a back seat to the more perfunctory chatter of a family on the go. But it needn't always be that way. Here are five things you should say -- and really mean! -- when you're talking to your kid.
1. I believe in you. One of our goals as parents is to prepare our kids for life, and children need to know that we are solidly in their corner. This is one I say often, making sure Casey and Cole know that I truly believe they can be/do anything they set their minds to. Then when they step out and do something great, I follow up with, "I'm proud of you." Because I am.
2. I think you're cool. I like this as a way of letting my kids know that even if I weren't their mother I'd still love to hang out with them. They are fun, bring me joy, and make me laugh, and it's important for them to know that.
3. You are special. What makes your kids special? Is it their sense of humor? Their smile? The way they think of others before themselves? Let them know that you've been watching and you're impressed by what you see.
4. You are beautiful. Angst and growing up go together like hand in glove. There's so much pressure to conform, from the media to middle school hallways. As parents we need to combat that by anchoring our kids in truth. They won't always believe us when we say it, but we need to say it nonetheless.
5. I love you. Can you remember the last time you told your child you loved them and then told them why? Kids are savvy; they know that sometimes we say this because that's what parents do. So why not add another layer? Next time, tell they you love them because they're compassionate or you admire the way they've handled a situation and watch how they respond.
Those are just a few ideas; I'm sure you could add a couple of your own as well. But whatever you say, mean it, and know words like these are important for kids of any age to hear.
What self-esteem-boosting words do you make sure to tell your kids?
Top Articles on Boosting Self-Esteem
5 Ways To Boost Your Own Self-Esteem
3 Gratitude Practices For The Whole Family
Will Regulating Photoshoped Ads Save Girls' Self-Esteem?
