Stop for a moment, and think about your parents, you childhood. What comes to mind?
For most people, what comes to mind are two things:
- how we felt as children
- the words our parents told us over and over again
What we say to our children has an impact, and in many cases, well beyond childhood. I love this quote from Peggy O’Mara that sums it up:
The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.
The words you use NOW with your children are so powerful. It is not only important to be mindful about our choice of words, but repeat words that will make your child feel loved and confident. Think about it – what powerful phrases do you say to your child that you want them to remember?
To get you started, I’ve compiled a list of 100+ powerful phrases you can say to your children. These are phrases meant to encourage your children, grow a stronger bond and to plant in their brains seeds of positivity, confidence and kindness. Your child will be carrying around these powerful phrases for years so choose the ones that best fit your child and make sure to add a few of your own, too. After all, no one knows your child better than you do.
** Scroll to the end of this post to get a FREE printable version of this poem**
100+ Powerful Phrases You Can Say to Your Child:
- I love you, no matter.
- You make me smile.
- I like you.
- Thank you.
- I’m sorry.
- I’m glad you’re here.
- I’m happy to talk with you.
- I think about you when we’re apart.
- My world is better with you in it.
- I love the way your mind works.
- I will do my best to keep you safe.
- Sometimes I will say no, but that doesn’t mean I don’t love you.
- You deserve anything you want in life.
- You’re an important part of this family.
- You are strong.
- I love seeing the world through your eyes.
- You can say no.
- I believe in you.
- Believe in yourself, what other people say doesn’t really matter. What matters is what you think about yourself. So, what are thinking right now?
- I see you’re angry, can you take a deep breath and tell me what happened?
- Let’s meditate together!
- I have faith in you.
- I know you can handle it.
- I know you can figure this out.
- You are so creative.
- You light up my day.
- Be yourself, you don’t need to be anyone else but you.
- You are so great!
- I enjoy your company.
- It’s fun to do things with you.
- It’s okay to make mistakes, I make mistakes too. That’s how we learn.
- Trust your instincts – it’s that little voice inside you. And when it feels good, it means it’s a good thing to do.
- I want to play too, as soon as I’m done with this, let’s play!
- You have such great ideas.
- You can do this!
- You are a good friend.
- You are so kind.
- You can always tell me the truth, even if you’re scared to, because I will still love you.
- What would you like to do?
- How can you solve this problem?
- Anything is possible – how can you make this happen?
- Use your imagination.
- You make a difference.
- You don’t have to like what someone is saying in order to treat them with respect.
- Someone else’s poor behavior is not an excuse for your own. What could you have done differently?
- I love spending time with you.
- Do your best.
- You can ask for help.
- You are learning.
- You are growing.
- Always tell the truth, even if it’s not great, because I love you no matter what.
- What nice thing did you do or say today?
- Growing is hard work.
- Being your parent is my favorite part of life.
- Your emotions may be powerful, but remember you have the power to control them.
- Tell me one good thing that happened today.
- Tell me one bad thing that happened today.
- If something happens that feels bad or wrong, you can tell me, you won’t be in trouble.
- I believe you.
- I believe in you.
- I’m proud of you for…
- When you make a mistake, you are still smart.
- Your body is your own.
- You have say over your body.
- Mean people don’t define who you are.
- You are important.
- Thank you for contributing to our family.
- I’m ready to listen.
- Your ideas matter.
- Nothing will change my love for you.
- You are able to do work that matters.
- I see you working and learning every day.
- You are putting so much effort into this!
- Sometimes when we’re learning a new skill, it takes practice. Let’s keep on practicing.
- You make a difference in my life.
- I am curious to hear what you think.
- How did you do that?
- Your ideas are so interesting.
- You can change your mind.
- You make me happy.
- Seeing you smile makes me smile.
- I love being with you.
- You are valuable.
- You are interesting.
- You’ve made me think of things in a completely new way!
- I’m excited to see what you do.
- Thanks for helping me.
- You can always come to me, no matter what.
- I’m listening.
- How can we make this situation better?
- There’s only one you in the world.
- I’m grateful you’re in my life.
- I trust you.
- You make me smile.
- That’s smart thinking.
- You can learn from your mistakes.
- Your words matter, let’s choose words that are kind and loving.
- You make my heart feel full.
- This worlds needs your … (mention a positive quality)
- I will always be here, when you need me and even when you don’t.
- It’s okay to feel sad, I feel sad sometimes too.
- I love how you found a solution to this problem.
- Let’s try it your way.
- I understand.
- You can learn from everything, good and bad. What did you learn?
- What is one thing that would make you happy right now?
- What is one thing you would like to do with me right now?
- I can see you worked so hard on this. You should be proud of yourself.
- I knew you could do it!
- You are incredible.
- I love hugging you.
** Scroll to the end of this post to get a FREE printable version of this list**
According to research, the kind of words we use influences our children later in their lives. So, when we say these powerful phrases and/or ask these powerful questions, we need to focus on the positive, on encouraging our children, making they feel loved and capable of figuring things out on their own. It is also important for your child to feel accepted for who they are.
If you find yourself using one of these phrases when your child is upset, start by acknowledging that they’re upset and then say the phrase of your choice. When you acknowledge how your child feels, which is as simple as repeating back to them what they’re saying, they feel heard and understood and anything that comes after that will be better received.
Always choose positive words. Choose words that will boost their self-esteem, motivate them to try and do their best at everything, help them develop their creativity and imagination, help them believe in themselves and who they are and above all, make them realize that they are loved.
Children NEED to know they are love, just the way they are, big feelings and all. Remember our children are not “bad”, they might show “bad behavior”, but they themselves are not bad. They are simply expressing a need in the best possible way they can. Any type of behavior is a form of communication.
Lastly, when talking to your child be honest and sincere, if not, your child will not feel any encouragement at all, resulting in self-criticism instead.
Want to raise children who are confident, independent and kind? Make sure your most common phrases reflect this while acknowledging who they are and how they feel at a given time. Because here’s the thing, one day, years from now, your child will be in a tough situation and it will be those words that helps them get through.
Choose your words wisely!
Want a free printable version of this list and poem?
You will get an email where you will get access to download and print the list poem.
I recommend you tape the list to a wall where you can easily see these phrases. The little poem looks really cute in a frame and we’ve made 2 version of it so pick whichever one you prefer, print it and frame it for your kiddos room.
Would you add another phrase to this list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it.
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