The weight of our words carry the very power of life and death in their grasp.
We have the ability to make or break the little lives that have been entrusted to us.
But sadly, and too often, hurtful, thoughtless, harsh words tumble from my lips.
And sure enough, it is my precious children who see and hear the worst of me.
I’m positive there is a filter malfunction in there somewhere.
So when I stumbled upon this brilliant collection of phrases – all designed to help make your “child feel great”, I promptly printed it out and stuck it up on the side of my fridge.
I look at it frequently.
And it makes me smile. Because it makes my little ones smile.
And then I thought…how silly to keep this all to myself {assuming, of course, that the hundreds of people who have already tapped into the beautiful heart of Janel Breitenstein, don’t read my blog}.
Choose a couple from the list each day and be intentional about seeking out opportunities to encourage your child’s heart, and breathe life into their sweet spirit.
1. The way you (insert action) is such a perfect addition for our family. God knew just what we needed when He gave us you.
2. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for (insert specific action)?
3. I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up again, okay?
4. I want to hang out with just you tonight. What do you want to do?
5. Thank you!
6. Yes, there is food in the house.
7. I trust you.
8. I can’t believe how (insert positive adjective) you are. I can’t imagine the plans God has for you!
9. I saw how you (insert specific positive action). I’m so proud of you.
10. There’s money on the table for you.
11. I believe you.
12. I’m proud of you. And even if you weren’t so fantastic, I’d still be proud.
13. I know you and I haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so we both feel understood and secure.
14. I got you this, just because.
15. Lately I’ve really seen you grow in the area of (insert character quality), like when you (insert specific action).
16. I admire you in (insert specific area). In fact, I could learn a lot from you in that area.
17. That was a really wise choice.
18. Snow day!
19. You’re really growing into a young man/woman of character. I can’t tell you how exciting that is!
20. I remember when I (insert vulnerable moment). I felt so (insert description). I don’t know if that’s like what you’re going through, but it was a tough time for me.
21. No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always be glad you’re mine, I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.
22. Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.
23. I had no idea you could do that! You impress me.
24. What do you think?
25. I canceled your dentist appointment.
26. I love your dad so much! He is so (insert adjective).
27. I love being around you.
28. No chores today.
29. I’m so glad you’re home.
30. I love doing (insert activity) with you.
31. You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I am so humbled He gave me you.
32. I feel so proud when I’m with you.
33. You handled that so well.
34. I made your favorite (insert food).
35. You know, you may not feel very (insert adjective), but God knew exactly what He was doing you making you the way He did, and it was just how He wanted to express Himself. I love you just the way He made you. And I wouldn’t have wanted Him to do it any differently.
36. I’m trusting that God will take perfect care of us. He’s always done it before! Can we pray together about this?
37. With God’s help, your dad and I will never, ever get a divorce.
38. That looks great on you.
39. If I were in your shoes, I would feel so (insert adjective). Is that how you feel?
40. Would you turn your music up?
41. You are so well-disciplined in (insert specific area).
42. I sent you a big ol’ care package in the mail.
43. That was so courageous.
44. Do you feel like I’m understanding you?
45. If there were one thing you could change about me as your mom, what would it be?
46. You have some real gifts in the area of (insert adjective).
47. Let’s go to Grandma’s!
48. It is so cool to watch you grow up.
49. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.
50. I miss you, but I’m glad you’re having a good time!
51. You make me so happy just by being you.
52. I love you so much.
Family Life, Mom Life Today, Janel Breitenstein
I trust these powerful words will bless you – and their lucky recipients – as much as they have us!
