10 Things to Say to Your Kids

This article is taken from  Charisma Magazine. 

I like the fact that she is reminding us that our word are important. Proverbs 18:21 - Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

1. "I believe in you."
2. "It’s a blessing to be your mom/dad (grandma, aunt)."
3. "I love you." Then be specific: "I love your smile (energy, caring heart, etc.)."
4. "I noticed ... (you got your homework done, you have a new friend). That’s what I call responsibility (kindness, other character quality)."
5. "Keep up the good work. You’re making progress!"
6. "If more kids were like you, this world would be a better place."
7. "There is a bright future ahead for you."
8. "Thanks for what you did (helping, doing chores, doing homework, etc.)."
9. "If all the 8-year-old girls (use child’s age) were lined up from all over the world and I could only pick one, I’d pick you."
10. "I admire or am proud of you for (name a specific quality or trait)."

10 Negative Phrases Not to Say Because They Tear Kids Down:

1. "You’re no good; you’ll never amount to anything."
2. "If you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to leave you here (or go home without you)."
3. "Why can’t you be more like your brother/sister?"
4. "I can’t stand you."
5. "You are so much trouble."
6. "I can’t wait until you’re grown up and out of here."
7. "Don’t you ever listen? Where are your brains?"
8. "What’s wrong with you?"
9. "You are stupid."
10. "You’re giving me a headache (or stressing me out)."

5/29/2013 Cheri Fuller

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PS: I would two more sentences after I have read this.  1) I am sorry 2) Will you forgive me.