It’s important to say “I love you” to your children every day, in some way.
- I really love watching you (color, play with friends, ride your trike…).
- I could tell how important that was to you.
- You did such a good job matching shapes, you are really good at math.
- The best part of my day is picking you up from child care (or…).
- You really make me smile, I love being with you.
- I love reading good night stories to you.
- It’s okay to be sad. I am here with you to keep you safe.
- Those tears tell me you are having a hard day. Do you need a hug?
- Your smile brightens my day.
- Let’s play.
- I love you.
- Tell me about your day. (I won’t look at my phone or any other screen.)
- You look really frustrated/sad/mad. Should we work on a solution together?
- I believe in you!
- What is your opinion?
- Pick your favorite meal and let’s make it together.
- Let’s build this together. I am excited to see your ideas.
Giving Praise to Our Children
Most often praise needs to be specific. Find specific ways to catch your children being good. Often we find ourselves pointing out their behaviors that we don’t like. We need to spend more time pointing out their behaviors we do like.
