What all parents need to say to their children to support, teach, and show their love.
“Let's Play!”
It is important to spend time interacting with your child for at least thirty minutes everyday. Set side aside to do nothing else but completely focus on your child. It is amazing to enter a child's world of imagination.
“That's enough.”
Know when to tell your child that you have heard enough of their whining, fighting, bossing, sassing, etc.
“You are special in your own way”
Children are always comparing their selves to one another and focusing on what they cannot do. It is important for parents to encourage their children and point out their talents and good characteristics. Comparing children is not fair because each child is different and special in their own ways.
“It's okay to make mistake.”
Everyone makes mistakes. Children often feel like if they make a mistake, they will be in trouble or people will laugh at them. Let them know that it is okay to make mistakes and the most important things about mistakes is what the child learns from them. Learning from mistakes is an important lesson in life.
“Thank you.”
Never forget to thank your child for listening, helping around the house, completing their chores, behaving at the store, carrying the grocery bag, and for little things, like kisses. Let your child know you appreciate them.
“Tell me more about…”
Ask your child about the activities and ideas that they have. Asking them questions about what they have been doing or about their thoughts on a specific subject shows that you are interested in them and care.
“Let me put this down…okay, I'm ready to talk”
Parents should never multi-task when they talk to their child. You might miss a golden opportunity and you are showing that what they are saying is not important enough to have your full attention. Keep the communication lines open when the child is young and encourage talking and it will be easier to talk about important topics when you have a moody teenager on your hands.
“I believe in you.”
You child is an amazing person but sometimes need to know that someone thinks they are capable of doing many things. Let your child know he or she has your support and your belief that they can accomplish great things.
“I am proud of you”
Parents need to make sure that they say this when the child has accomplished something important. Little accomplishments like washing hands after going to the bathroom or putting their dishes in the sink should only get a “good job!” When your child graduates, reaches a goal, shows good character, or does some other action that makes you proud, let them know. Do not overuse it, or they will not believe you. But it is important for your child to feel good about them selves and know that they have made their parent proud.
“I love you no matter what”
Unconditional love is the best gift you can give your child. It doesn't matter what they do in life, they need to know that you are there for them and will love them through it all. Remember, you can love a child without liking what they are doing, you can love a child without supporting their bad behavior, and you can love a child through good and bad times. Let your child know that no matter what they do, or where they go, they can always come home to you and your unconditional love.
