25 Positive Things All Kids Need to Hear Growing Up
In honor of school starting soon, I’m sharing 25 things all kids need to hear growing up. Teaching the children of our world about kindness, courage, respect, acceptance, tolerance, patience and other important aspects of personal growth will help our children grow up to make the world a better place.
You will not only be utilizing your own good personal growth skills and practices, you’ll be making a difference to the children in your life. As a retired educator, I can promise you that helping children grow and develop is a gratifying and rewarding experience — your heart will be filled.
Some of the things all kids need to hear growing up might only be applicable to your own children or grandchildren. Some might be more appropriate with specific age groups. And some may be appropriate for children you don’t know quite as well. But all are encouraging and positive.
Whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a community member, a volunteer, a church leader, or another loving adult, you can help change the life of a child with your kind words and actions.
So put your SMILE on and go make the difference in the life of a child today and every day!
The Power of Positivity
The power of positivity is a remarkable thing. It can make the difference between a child growing up to be a happy and successful adult, or not.
Parents, teachers, grandparents, and other important adults in the lives of children need to use the power of positivity to encourage children in all aspects of life.
The words you say and the actions you use have a lasting effect on children around you. As adults, it should be our responsibility to provide the love and encouragement children need in order to develop self-confidence, self-worth, and self-compassion.
With encouragement and kindness, children can become the best version of themselves. Your positive words and behavior can influence the way they speak to others, how they react to challenges, how they learn, and even what they become as adults.
Remember, every child is a story yet to be told. And you can be a valuable part in that story.
Positive Things All Kids Need to Hear Growing Up
It’s important for children to learn to communicate effectively and relate positively to others. Therefore, talking to them with respect and compassion is essential.
Children will become what they hear, learn, and live in childhood.
Every child should know love… they should know they are cared for… and they should be encouraged.
Every child should know acceptance… they should know stability… and they should hear how wonderful they are in every way.
If you have children in your life that you dearly love, or if you have children in your community who are special to you, or maybe even see children at your church on Sundays, you can make a difference in their lives by sharing some of these kind and encouraging words all kids need to hear.
You will be helping to create a better tomorrow in our world.
1. You don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. I like you just the way you are.
2. Always listen to your intuition when something doesn’t feel right. Trust that gut feeling.
3. I’m proud of you and I love you unconditionally.
4. It’s okay to make mistakes. Even adults make mistakes and we learn from them.
5. You can always call me if you need something (or a safe ride home).
6. You aren’t responsible for your parents getting along.
7. Nothing can ever change how much I love you.
8. It’s okay to not be okay sometimes, just don’t stay there.
9. It’s okay if people don’t like you; what matters is that you like yourself.
10. I trust you completely.
11. I forgive you.
12. Always be honest with yourself and others.
13. You have what it takes to succeed and I believe in you.
14. Let your voice be heard, but in the right way.
15. Sometimes we all need a second chance.
16. I understand and respect the way you feel.
17. You are strong, brave, and beautiful/handsome.
18. I am listening to you and I hear your words. Your thoughts and feelings are valuable to me.
19. You should always stand up for yourself, but do it in a respectful way.
20. Do what makes you happy, not what everyone else is doing.
21. You are always allowed to say no if you aren’t comfortable with something.
22. It’s okay to ask for help, and I’m always here to help you.
23. I am grateful to have you in my life.
24. You’re on the right track so I’m positive you’ll learn to do that.
25. Never be afraid to be your truest self. You are perfect just the way you are.
You should modify these statements to personalize them and make them applicable to the given situation and your relationship with the child. You can even speak part of the statement, if applicable.
Never be afraid to speak to a child in a natural and honest manner.
Remember, you are the role model. Children look up to adults in their lives and need them to help build a strong foundation of self.
Side Note: You probably know that these are things people need to hear regardless of age. They are part of the magnificent personal growth process of you becoming your highest self. They are things you need to hear, too!
Parenting, work responsibilities, and life sometimes become overwhelming and we can lose touch with the important things in life very easily. Use these 25 positive things all kids need to hear growing up as a reminder to self. Say them to yourself and to your partner, too:)
Tips for Giving Praise to a Child
Praise nurtures a child’s confidence and sense of self. By using praise, you’re showing a child how to think, feel, and talk positively about themselves. This is a natural part of personal growth that we should all develop and experience in life.
I encourage you to consider these tips when offering praise to a child. You’ll be teaching a child to love themselves unconditionally and grow up confidently.
- Focus on the effort the child demonstrates.
- Offer specific praise rather than a general term like “good job.”
- Avoid giving children too much praise.
- Be genuine and honest with your praise and encouragement.
- Avoid comparison praise — it can make a child feel unworthy and vulnerable.
- Offer praise by describing the behavior that you noticed.
- Don’t overuse rewards.
- You can praise children of all ages and for different things.
- Use nonverbal ways of offering praise such as a thumbs up, a smile, or high five.
Final Thoughts on Things All Kids Need to Hear
Spending time with children is something we should all cherish. Every child needs to have positive relationships with adults who can give them a core foundation of love and stability. Even if you are not a parent, you can contribute to the development of children in your life with simple words and actions.
Positive and nurturing statements will also help children develop a growth mindset that allows them to be free with their learning and growing. They will have the confidence to believe in themselves and know that they can learn from their mistakes.
There is years of research to support the fact that positive words of encouragement, support, kindness, and wisdom will help children learn and grow into awesome people. And you can be a positive influence!
You may also enjoy these related articles:
- Life Skills Are More Important Than Academics
- Why is Flexible Thinking Important in Your Life?
- 85 Positive Affirmations for Better Family Relationships
Love to ALL! ~ Susan
