There are things that every child needs to hear to build their self-esteem, confidence, and overall behavior. The words you say to children influence the way they feel about themselves and those around them. Plus, the things you say can change the way they see the world around them, too.

With encouraging words, children can develop into the best version of themselves. Positivity will influence the way they speak to others and how they react to adversity. It is never to lay to begin saying these things to the children in your life.

Children become what they are told they are, so talking to them kindly is essential. Learning to communicate positively with your child can help them become more motivated, brave, and determined. These aren’t the only benefits, though, as all areas of your child’s life can be influenced by positive words.

Every child should know that they are cared for and loved, and they should be encouraged daily. Use these positive phrases with your child every day to help them learn and grow into a good person.

44 Things Every Child Needs to Hear

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Make sure you express these things to your children.

1. I see you practicing and working hard.

When kids know that you see their hard work, they will have more motivation and determination. They will keep trying hard if they know that someone cares and is watching.

2. I understand the way you are feeling.

Children should know that you understand their feelings. As they learn about their emotions, it will help them know that you know what they are going through.

3. That was so kind and thoughtful!

With kids, acknowledgment can make a huge difference. When you notice that they were kind or thoughtful to someone, they will feel good about themselves. That good feeling will encourage continued kind behavior.

4. You don’t have to agree with everyone.

Kids should know that they don’t have to go along with the crowd. They don’t have to agree with something just because everyone else does.

5. You are loved unconditionally.

Letting a child know how much they are loved is the most essential thing you could tell them. When a child feels loved, they will feel comfortable enough to learn and develop positively.

6. If you work hard, you can do anything you set your mind to.

Teaching children the value of hard work can help them accomplish anything they want to do. They must know that everything worthwhile in life requires work and determination.

7. You waited so patiently, thank you.

It can be difficult for children to wait, so when they do, praise them for it. Acknowledging their patients will encourage the behavior and help them learn to be patient always.

8. I know you can do it, and I believe in you.

Children need motivation when they are questioning themselves, and this phrase will help. If they know that you have faith in them, they will believe in themselves, too.

9. You are strong and brave.

Children become what you tell them they are. Instill them with positive thoughts about themselves, and it’ll help them grow into the kind of person you want them to be. If you tell a child that they are strong and brave, you will see them flourish.

10. You ask great questions!

Sometimes children are afraid to ask questions because they will be embarrassed. If you tell them that they ask great questions when they speak up, it will encourage them to keep asking more. Asking questions is how they learn about the world around them, so continue to encourage it as much as you can.

11. You handled that situation really well.

Fill every child with confidence, and they will succeed in life. When you tell them that they handled something well, it will give them the courage to do it again next time.

12. I’m sorry, I made a mistake.

Children must know that they aren’t the only ones that mess up. When you apologize and admit that you made a mistake, it teaches your child to do the same.

13. You are smart and can do anything.

Every child must know that they are smart and capable of anything. This knowledge will help them work hard to learn new things because they know they can do it.

14. You are talented, so use your skills for positive things.

Not only should children know that they are talented, but they should also know what to use their skills for. When they know to use their skills for good things, they will grow their talents in that direction.

15. You are safe because I will guide you.

Children must feel secure in life, or they won’t have the courage to explore. This phrase limits their insecurities and helps them see that they can try new things with your guidance. Then, when you aren’t around, they will remember the guidance you gave and make safe choices.

16. It is okay to make mistakes, and it happens to everyone.

Just like when you apologize for your mistakes, let your child know that it is okay when they do it, too. As long as they own up to their mistakes, then the situation can be fixed.

17. I love having you by my side.

Whether you are playing together, going for a walk, or just sitting together, let them know you enjoy it. Children should feel wanted and valued, and you can help them with that.

18. I can see that you are a great friend.

When you say this to your child, they will want to continue being a good friend. Your words will resonate within them and make them want to be a good friend even when you aren’t around.

19. You are allowed to change your mind.

Kids might not think it is okay to change their minds, so they will settle for things they didn’t want. Let them know that they can change their mind and that it is fine to do so. Knowing they can say no will help them have the confidence to speak up when they want to.

20. I respect you and value your opinion.

When children hear that they are respected, it will help with cognitive growth and maturity. Children will begin to understand their environment more and think decisions through if they hear this phrase. Saying this to your child will also help them know that they can speak up when they feel the need.

21. You make my life better.

Children will be so excited and flattered if you tell them that they make your life better. This phrase will boost their self-esteem while also helping you bond with the child.

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22. Spending time with you always makes me feel good.

If a child knows you enjoy spending time with them, they will feel valued and wanted. This phrase will make them happy and boost their self-confidence at the same time.

23. You are so great at that!

No matter what your child is doing, if they are doing a good job tell them so. When they hear your encouragement and praise, it makes them want to do good work all of the time. Help them see their talents and skills by using this phrase.

24. You make me so proud.

This phrase encourages children and helps strengthen your bond with them. It will boost their confidence, help them progress and improve, and make them want to keep trying.

25. I am listening to you, and I hear your words.

No matter the age of the child, they want to know that you are listening. They want your attention and to know that you care about what they have to say.

26. You should stand up for yourself, but you can do so respectfully.

Children must know to stand up for themselves when they are being treated unfairly. Make sure that they know they can do it kindly, too. They don’t have to behave like the person they are dealing with.

27. You are responsible, so I know you will get it done.

Assign tasks to your child, and let them know that you know they are responsible. When you say this, they will want to show you that you are right about them, and they will get the task done. Teaching a child to be responsible is essential to helping them develop into successful adults.

28. Do the things that make you happy, not the things everyone else is doing.

Teach your child that they don’t have to do what everyone else is doing. They know what makes them happy, and they should seek out things that bring happiness. When they know they can make their own path, they will become a leader.

29. I love the way you always think of others.

Encouraging children to think of others is a positive way to teach selflessness. Using this phrase will help them see that thinking of and doing things for others will bring them happiness, too.

30. Don’t give up because you are so close!

Teach your child that when they give up they miss out on the chance to get it right. Encourage them to keep trying by telling them that they will get it if they keep going. It will teach them motivation and determination to reach success.

31. You can always learn something new.

Sometimes children shy away from things they don’t know how to do. If you use this phrase with your child, it will encourage them to give everything a shot, even if they’ve never done it before.

32. You are allowed to say no.

When a child feels uncomfortable or unsafe, they should know that it is okay to say so. They can say no and opt-out of anything that they aren’t sure about. When a child knows this, they will be more assertive and make better decisions.

33. Your opinion matters, and it is okay if yours is different.

It is never too early to teach your child about having an opinion. They don’t have to agree with what everyone else thinks or believes. Encourage them to think things through and form opinions of their own.

34. It is okay to ask for help, and I’d like to help you if you need it.

First, teach your child that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. They should ask for help, learn, and get the task done. Follow it up by letting them know that you are always available to help them so that they aren’t afraid to ask.

35. It’s okay to mess up because you can try again.

When you say this to a child, it lets them know that no matter how many times it takes, they can try again. Nothing in life is final as long as they keep trying.

36. You are perfect just the way you are.

Children should always know that they are special and that they don’t need to change for anyone. They are different, but that is okay because it is what makes them who they are.

37. I forgive you.

Every child should know that they are forgiven when they do something wrong or make a mistake. Instead of yelling or scolding, tell them that you forgive them instead.

38. I am grateful to have you in my life.

Children want to hear kind things from the adults in their lives. Let them know that you appreciate them and are thankful for their presence in your life.

39. You mean the world to me, and that will never change.

Never miss a chance to let a child know how much they mean to you. Don’t forget to tell them that nothing they do can ever make your feelings change, either. This knowledge will help them feel secure and loved.

40. You make the world a better place, and we are so lucky to have you.

This phrase can prevent your child from doubting themselves. They should know that they are a positive addition to the world and that life wouldn’t be the same without them.

41. I am always here for you, and you can talk to me about anything.

When children know they have a stable adult in their life that is always there, they will be more open and honest. They will be more likely to come to you when they face problems, too.

42. Your ideas are great!

If a child comes up with an idea, let them know that it is a great idea. It will encourage further critical thinking and creativity.

43. I love the way you make me laugh.

Every child should know that they are funny and can make people laugh. It will make them feel good about themselves and boost their confidence.

44. It’s okay to feel sad.

A child should have to feel bad for having emotions. Let them know that it is okay to feel sad, mad, frustrated, or any other emotion. It will help them accept their feeling and move on from it once they know that it is normal and acceptable.

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Final Thoughts on Things Every Child Needs to Hear

Children go through so many changes during their lives, and they need help and guidance from adults along the way. The best way to help children is through positive words and encouragement. Use these things every child needs to hear to help the children in your life grow and develop.

Effectively communicating with your child can help them and strengthen your bond at once. Children respond best to positive attention, and these phrases are just what they need.