As a former language teacher, and mother of my own two children, I have found words of encouragement for kids can make an enormous difference to a child’s outlook.
Young children, and teenagers need to be encouraged on a regular basis. It may be encouragement with a task they are performing, something they are struggling with, or just some praise when they are doing something well. When children feel encouraged, they tend to be more positive, behave better, and strive to succeed.
How to encourage kids with words
1. Focus on effort, not talent when using words of encouragement
Research states that the kind of praise parents give their children can influence the child’s motivation later on.
The best thing when you are encouraging kids, is to avoid focusing on the ability, and instead focus on the effort your child is putting into the task.
Your words of encouragement will help kids and students to understand that they have the ability to improve on their efforts, and develops their resilience and determination to keep trying.
2. Be specific in the encouraging phrases you choose to use.
When you use words of encouragement with a child, make sure you are very specific. Rather than saying “Great job, I love it.”, you could say something like, “Wow I love those colours you used, that was so creative”.
3. Use words of encouragement, but avoid overpraising
Words of encouragement are not just about praising a child, they are about encouraging a child to do well.
Too much praise can have negative effects. So, for example telling a child they are smart and intelligent too often may have a negative effect. The child may not think he has to try anymore, because they are just “so smart” Or telling a child constantly how “beautiful” they look, may cause a child to have too much self-confidence.
Of course, it doesn’t mean you cannot say these things to your child! But consider how often these words are said, and in which context.
The main thing for parents and teachers to consider when using encouraging words for children and students, is that they make a positive impact.
The benefits of words of encouragement
- Boosts a child’s self esteem
- Helps children to believe in themselves
- Assists in developing a child’s imagination
- Motivates kids to try harder
Words of Encouragement for Kids
Below you will find:
General words of encouragement
Words of Encouragement when performing a task
Words of encouragement when your child is struggling
Words of encouragement when your child has had a bad day
Words of encouragement to thank your child
Words of encouragement to inspire
General words of encouragement
- You are loved
- Being a parent is my favourite job
- I miss you when I don’t see you
- I think about you all the time
- I will always try to keep you safe
- You make me smile
- I believe you
- I love spending time with you
- You can tell me anything
- I will love you no matter what
- I am so proud of you
- I am proud of the person you are becoming
Words of Encouragement when performing a task
- Tell me about what you are doing
- Your ideas are so creative
- I can see that you are trying so hard
- It is fun spending time together isn’t it
- Your desire to learn makes me so proud of you
- I love your enthusiasm with this task
- I can see that you are working so hard on this
Words of encouragement when your child is struggling
- All you can do is try your best
- I am so glad you asked for help when you needed it
- Trust your instincts
- I believe in you
- Nobody is perfect, and that is ok
- You can learn from your mistakes
- Your perseverance will help you succeed
- Believe in yourself, you can do it
- Take a break and come back to it
- Mistakes are proof that you are trying
Words of encouragement when your child has had a bad day
- I am sorry you had a bad day, tomorrow will be better
- You can’t always make everyone happy
- You will feel better after you get some rest
- Tell me something that made you smile today
- When I have a bad day, I try to concentrate on the positive things
- Everyone has bad days
- Let’s have a cuddle and you can tell me all about it
Words of encouragement to thank your child
- You showed great generosity when you did that
- That was such a kind thing to do
- I appreciate it when you put someone else first
- You have been such a great friend
- I really appreciate what a great listener you are
- Your honesty makes me so proud
- I love seeing you work together
Words of encouragement to inspire
- You can be anything you want to be
- Believe in yourself, and you can
- Your opinions matter
- You are valuable
- You inspire me
- You are important
- When you are happy, I am happy
Using words of encouragement with kids
Have you tried some of these words of encouragement for kids? Do you know any other encouraging words that can inspire children? Let us know!