Are you aware that asking simple questions like “How are you feeling?” can help a child identify their desires and share their emotions? When you become parents, it becomes easy to grasp things quickly. One such thing is to do better parenting. No matter how good parents we are, not a day goes by without having thought of how we could have been better moms. Though we do everything to make our kids happy, there is always room for improvement. There are many things to say to your child every day which will make their day better.
Right from funny topics to encouraging things to say to a child which will keep them motivated, there’s a lot of stuff to talk about with them. When words are used in the right way, it has a great impact on the child. Words of encouragement for kids when not used carefully will lead to unexpected side effects.
Let us look at the things to say to your child every day to motivate kids without the negative side effects.
10 Things To Say To Your Child Every Day
Communication is the key to taking the child on the right path. When words are used right, they can have a positive impact on kids. This is because positive reinforcement can make young children repeat praised behavior. Words such as “Well done”, “Good job” or “You’re so smart” are common encouraging words to tasks well done. However, this doesn’t always inspire kids’ motivation.
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There are plenty of phrases that parents repeat to their children daily. But have you thought about what you need to tell them each day to help them get through their life? The best thing that you can say to your child is through the form of questions. It leads the way in conversations. Through this, the child gets confidence that you show interest in them as a person which will increase their independence.
Learn about these 10 things to say to your child every day.
1. Have a good day
When a child leaves the house for school or college, it is obvious that parents wish them goodbye followed by take care. However, using the above phrase is an important thing to say to your child every day, as it is a helpful affirmation for making the day of the child better. A good wish during the start of the day will help children start their day in a promising way and make it great altogether.
2. Focus on present
Too much worry about the past or too much anticipation about the future is sure to take away the essence of life. Help children to focus on the importance of living in the movement. They should forget about the bad things that happened in the past and throw away their concerns over the future and focus their energy on the present.
3. I love you
These three words when told at the right time could make a child feel special. You can start using this with your baby even before they are born. Saying these words to your child could at times be missed during your hectic schedule. Keep repeating to your child often as this is an encouraging thing to say to a child. Parents’ love is unconditional and so is a child’s love too. They need to know you love them no matter what they do. Tell them every day that you love them, especially during difficult situations.
4. I’m proud of you
When your child does something they are proud of, let them know you are proud of them too. Perhaps, these are encouraging things to say to a child which will keep them motivated. No matter how small it is, children need to know you are proud of their accomplishments. They look up to you for encouragement. This is one of the few things to say to your child every day that will build their confidence and nurture their self-esteem.
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5. You make me smile
Isn’t it true that you smile because of your kids at least once a day? From a delightful drawing to a nasty mess, they have made you smile in so many instances. So why not let them know about it? Your child indeed frustrates you to the core but yet you still put a smile on your face when you see him pulling his sister’s head or coming and giving you a tight hug. So why not now tell him he makes you smile so that he could smile too.
6. It’s amazing when you do……
All children, even toddlers need praise and encouragement for doing something well. Whatever task your baby has managed to do, be sure to show your appreciation. Always say specific comments to your children, as they don’t respond to vague comments. Your child feels more special and loved when you say ‘it’s amazing when you clean up all of your toys without me having to ask you. This not only shows your way of appreciating the child but also acts as an encouragement making them do it again with positive reinforcement.
7. You can do it
This is one of the important things to say to your child every day because it motivates them to accomplish things that they struggle to do. Parents need to keep telling children what they can do when they find themselves doing things again and again. Say for example your child gets stuck under the chair daily, keep telling him ‘you can do it, you can get yourself out from it’ and encourages them to find a way to come of out it. It improves their self-confidence whereby we become their cheerleaders encouraging them to do more.
8. Tell me more…
Attention is one of the most important things you can give to your child. Encouraging conversation with the child will make a child feel special as it shows your care for them. Make sure to put yourself thoroughly in when you talk to your child. Also, engage in full conversation with them. Encourage them to complete their stories as children get excited when they narrate things that have happened on a day.
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9. What do you think
This is one of the important things to say to your child every day or rather ask them to discuss. Children do have their opinion and they must be valued. Asking them their opinion makes them think about what is happening and gives them a chance to explain their thoughts and feel valued. Don’t make it too complicated though! When you constantly reinforce to your child that their opinion matters, it will help them develop healthy behavior and self-esteem.
10. You are so precious
Whether your baby is an infant or is about to go to preschool, it is always best to key them know how much you value them. Though the child might not understand your language, they will still be able to interpret your message through your voice, and there will be an emotional connection! By constant affirmation that your baby is everything, you are integrating your message of love into their deepest thoughts. It develops your rapport with the child as well as aids in the development of emotions.
What Is The Most Psychologically Damaging Thing You Can Say To A Child?
Parents don’t intend to say damaging things to their children. But yes, it does happen. Things like repeated questions and frustrations could take an emotional toll. While we make many efforts to be the best, a lot of times, we fall short. That’s why it is helpful to know some of the damaging things that you could be saying to your child. It’s not about beating yourself, but doing it a little better by staying more conscious of what we talk about.
Here are some harmful phrases you should avoid using with your child and what you need to use instead.
1. It’s not a big deal
Kids often cry for things that might be silly. But that’s when our nerves wreck and we lose our cool — something which every parent tries to cope with. However, these little responses and emotions are huge to our kids. Take time to understand what is happening from their perspective. Talk to them like: “you seem to be sad and disappointed, should we talk about it?”. By this, you help the child to label their feelings and also assure them that you are available for them.
2. You make me sad
It could irritate you when your child doesn’t listen to you, but it’s equally important to set boundaries without letting your emotions play. When you do, you’re setting them a precedent by giving them a lot of negative power. When kids get to know they are the ones deciding your mood, they are sure to put the button down. For instance, when you see the kid playing with mud inside, give them choices such as “would you like to use a paper for play or go outside and play”.
3. You should know better
Using phrases like these to a child in my shows that you are ultimately trying to guilt or shame your child into changing. It puts the kids defensive and makes them less likely to listen, reducing their confidence. Phrases like these send a message to the child that they are dumb or immature to make a decision. Though that’s not what you intend, use phrases like what can we do to fix it.