5 words of encouragement your kid needs to hear from you

In a world pulling at the hearts of our children, we are gatekeepers designed to guard and protect our children from influences that seek to distract them from their kingdom purpose.  As parents, God has entrusted us with our children.  We are equipped to guard their hearts, raise them, and prepare them to walk boldly in their God identity.  How we talk to our children and our words of encouragement about them matters. 

But sometimes we miss those moments to speak life into them.

We didn’t get enough sleep.  You cannot take one more zoom call.  You kid has an attitude again. Then just like that, our tone is short, and tempers flare.

Then you are lying in bed at night, replaying the time you meant to spend with your kids and the words you should have said. 

Oh, I get it. 

Here’s the thing, our words shape the hearts of our children. 

Sometimes we need a gentle reminder to steward our words wisely when it comes to nurturing our children’s hearts.  Check out these five words of encouragement your kid needs to hear from you.

You are loved.

Okay, now I know this seems like something understood, but saying “I love you” and “You are loved” are two statements you can never say enough to your child.  Even if your kid whines.  Even if your kid complains, say the words anyway.  Every day our children need to hear they are loved by you and loved by God.   But our children need to know you love them and they are loved by God. 

Tell your children they are loved when they are doing well.  Tell your children they are loved when they make mistakes.  Tell them they are loved going out the door.  Tell them they are loved before they go to bed. 

Take any moment you can to remind your children how much you love them and the all-consuming love God has for them.  Every time you tell your children they are loved, you are planting seeds that will reap a harvest in due time.  So, don’t lose heart.

“But you, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding steadfast love and faithfulness.” Psalm 86:15 ESV

I was wrong. I apologize.

One great example we can set for our children is the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and seeking forgiveness.  When you use the wrong tone, apologize.  When you have a terrible attitude, apologize.  When you were distracted while your child was talking to you, apologize.

Even as parents, we make mistakes.  Stopping to acknowledge our mistakes demonstrates to our children the importance of taking responsibility for our actions.  So don’t make excuses or shift the blame when you mess up.  Address your mistakes directly and intentionally. 

We can make a point to teach our children so many things; we overlook the importance of teaching the value of apologizing and seeking reconciliation.  Teaching our children how to apologize equips them to navigate friendships, complicated situations and build healthy relationships. 

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

I believe in you.

It’s easy to tell our kids we believe in them when getting good grades or making the team.  The real work shows up in the moments of disappointment and failure.  Your children need to hear you believe in them in the challenging moments too. Your belief is in them is not based upon performance but overflow from your love for them.

We get to build up our children with resiliency and confidence in knowing they have someone on their side.  When we do, we teach them how to believe in themselves.  Believe big in your kiddos momma!!!

God is with you.

Momma, as much as you love your kiddos, God loves them more. 

Even when life feels out of control, even when it seems nothing is going right, God is with us even when life is hard.  He gives comfort in the challenging seasons.  He leads us in His ways.  He is always faithful.

Our children need to know that is God is always with them even when it doesn’t feel like it. There will be moments our children feel alone, isolated, or even afraid.  We can equip them for those moments.  Speak it over them and remind them. 

“So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed; for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10

God has a plan for you.

Everywhere our children turn, influences seek to distract them and confuse them about God’s plan for them.  Society wants to determine their identity.  Our children need to know God uniquely designed them for this time and in this place.  He has placed gifts and talents in them for the building of His kingdom. 

Rooting His truth in their hearts is vital to their Christian development.  Again, momma, it doesn’t matter how your child responds; keep speaking His word over them.  Pray them over your children. Use His word as an anchor for raising the mighty men and woman God has placed in your life. 

Remember, friend, it doesn’t matter how old your children are; start using your words wisely today.  Speak them often.  Your words are building a foundation for your children and help develop a healthy relationship with your children. 

Be intentional and purposeful with your words.  Always seek God in prayer for the words and timing.  The Holy Spirit will guide you in raising your children. 

You are anointed for those precious lives assigned to you.  Love them well.  Speak well.

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Want a reminder?

One way we can remember these five words of encouragement our kiddos need to hear from you is by posting them.  Print it out and post it in your planner, on your bathroom mirror, or keep a copy in your car.  Click below to download your printable.