Children need to hear these things spoken verbally and spoken through your nonverbal communication. If you want these messages to really stick, you must model them for your children. When you model them, you speak with integrity which makes all the difference to your child.
You have worth.
You are capable of great things.
It is okay to make mistakes.
It is important to learn from your mistakes.
You are good.
You have purpose.
Be a good friend.
You are a good friend.
Treat others with compassion.
Do not stay in situations where you are being abused.
Always be honest. The consequences for your mistakes may be short-lived. The consequences for being dishonest can last a really long time.
Work hard.
Focus on your progress rather than perfection.
Do what you know is right.
Don’t allow someone to discourage your vision.
Try your best.
Make good choices.
You can make a difference in this world.
I love you.
I believe in you.
I am glad you came to me.
What would you add to the list? We would love to hear from you!
Sloan Rawlins says
“I’m proud of you,” which is what I’ve been telling my daughter for about 23 years (she turns 25 this month).
Another great post, Kristin!
Namaste, Sloan
Stuart Young says
Me too Sloane, my daughter turns 25 at the end of July. 🙂
kcuthriell says
Thank you, Sloan! I agree and tell this to my kids often, too. If kids know we are proud of who they are, they often won’t want to disappoint us or themselves and make better choices. Thank you for sharing this!
Marty says
In the whole brain child, hugs, touch, connection especially when stressed, or reacting before showering them with support, praise or clarity.
You can be anything you want to be,
.
Life is a journey of challenges enjoy it
.
Speak the loudest by example, they learn how to deal with anger from us, relationships, ethics and honor from our actions. Be aware.
kcuthriell says
“Speak loudest by example…..” So true, Marty!
Stuart Young says
These are great messages to our children Kristin. I always told my daughter that she could be or do anything she desired if she wanted it enough and was committed to doing what it took to achieve.
Life is an adventure – enjoy it. Would be one I’d add. 🙂
kcuthriell says
These are great! Thanks, Stuart!
brianwilliamsen says
Great post! I would add – ‘Not everyone will love you or like you…but God always will.’ 🙂
kcuthriell says
Thanks for this addition, Brian! 🙂
Shannon says
Awesome list, Kristin!! I would only change the word “try” to read DO your best. “Try to touch your nose,” I tell my kids. When they do it, I say, “See? You didn’t try. You DID. Now, go DO what you’re going to do. And always do your best.”
Failures and successes should be treated equally as important, but only trying takes the real work out of a thing and limits a person’s full potential — whatever that is!
Shannon says
“You are it all already.” That may be Wayne Dyer. A favorite.
kcuthriell says
🙂
kcuthriell says
Thank you, Shannon! 🙂