One parenting phrase your child should hear often
September 17, 2012
We all agree that telling our kids “I love you” is an important daily parenting habit.
But I believe there is one other phrase that parents should tell their kids regularly.
I know this phrase; it impacted my life. When I was growing up, my dad used to look me in the eye often, no matter how good my grades or performance, and say, “I’m proud of you.”
I grew up knowing that I was not a disappointment to him.
We’ve given that same assurance to our own kids. Maybe we didn’t do it daily, but we tried on a regular basis to tell them that in no uncertain terms, “I am proud of you–WE are proud of you.”
Your child needs to know this. He needs to know that of course you do love him, but that no matter what, you are also proud of him. No matter if he sits the bench or gets a C on his report card.
Even if you think he has done nothing to be proud of, look until you find it. You can be proud of him for doing his best, for working hard, for not giving up—there must be something you can be proud of! Don’t stop looking until you find it.
With that information constantly being pumped into his psyche, he will stand a little taller, walk a little farther, work a little harder.
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From Kids in Sports | Character Building | JBM Thinks, post One parenting phrase your child should hear often
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Twitter: ginavalley
September 18, 2012 at 11:40 am
“I’m proud of you” is a hugely important thing for kids to hear repeatedly from their parents.
I agree that there is always something to be proud of that your child has done. But, more important is to express pride in the person your child is, beyond his actions.
Look what gina valley recently posted: Laugh Log – Dao
I agree, Gina. I was just thinking of some parents, one who I recently talked with, that are struggling with feeling any kind of pride in their child’s actions, in the person they are becoming. I encourage them to look hard, until they find something, even if it is just that they are their child. So, I guess you are right!
Twitter: kimgarst
September 19, 2012 at 8:51 am
I totally agree, Janis! I think the words go unspoken way too often and our children crave them! Thanks for a great article!
Look what Kim Garst recently posted: Social Media Monitoring Made Easy: 15 (Free) Tools You’ll Want To Use Today!
I completely agree! Growing up, hearing those words meant more to me than anything. I make it point to tell my girls that so they know how proud I really am of them!
I absolutely know how important those words are to children; they feed on them and they become so much stronger when we affirm them as parents. Great article
Twitter: choicdrivenlife
September 19, 2012 at 11:17 am
My parents never told me how proud they were of me. Although I knew they were, because I heard them say good things to me to their friends. I have always missed it that they told it to me personally. Very important message
I absolutely know how important it is for children to hear those words from us as their parents Thanks!
Twitter: howcanufindlove
September 19, 2012 at 1:04 pm
I agree. Saying those words are really important to children. Thanks for sharing a great article, Janis.
Look what Lorii Abela recently posted: What is Important in Attraction?
These are very important words to share. They have so much meaning to kids, and really anyone!
Look what Suzanne Jones recently posted: How Do You Percieve Value?
Twitter: JenniferHerndon
September 25, 2012 at 3:38 pm
I love this Janis! My parents always made it known that they were proud of me ~ and often times I probably didn’t deserve it . . . I think I do a pretty good job of this because sometimes my 5 year old will say to me “I’m so proud of you.” Assuming he’s getting that from me!
Look what Jennifer recently posted: The Right Way to Use Automation in Social Media
Thanks, Jennifer. And it sounds like you ARE doing a good job at it….kids reflect our behavior whether we like it or not and your child is reflecting!
So important! I will remember this when I become a mamma. Thank you
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Thanks, Kerry! I saw you reached 1000 twitter followers! Congrats!
Twitter: KidsSports_KSC
September 27, 2012 at 8:10 pm
I couldn’t agree more. If you’ve ever watched an episode of “Intervention” you know just how important it is for kids to hear that you’re “proud of them”.
I’m really happy that Janis and the rest of the commenters agree!
Austin from Kids Sports Central
Look what Austin recently posted: Best Tennis Strings For Kids
Thanks, Austin! Glad to have found your site!