32.5 Ways to be an Encouraging Parent
It’s easy to yell and say things that aren’t encouraging to your child. Earlier this year I posted about 52 ways to bond with your kids this year. I told myself this year I was going to work harder at being a better Mom. It seems as though it can be harder to be an encouragement. Well that ends today! You can be an encouragement to your child in more ways than you ever thought possible. In fact, here are 32.5 ways to be an encouraging parent on a daily basis.
1. Be positive- Say something positive to your child, this will encourage them in so many ways.
2. Spend time with your child- Nothing speaks bigger volumes in forms of encouragement than spending time with your child.
3. Don’t yell- Kids respond better to parents who don’t yell, but instead reach them at their level. Keep the tone of voice at an encouraging level, they are more likely to listen. {I’m still working on this one. But, I am doing better at finding alternative ways to say the same thing.}
4. Eat lunch with your child at school- If the school allows it, meet your child for lunch at school with their favorite food in hand.
5. Let them talk it out- Sometimes kids just need their parents to sit there while their child talks it out and tells them what’s bothering them.
6. Have their back- Your child should always know that you have their back, no matter what.
7. Always be kind- You can parent and still be kind to your child.
8. Show you child respect- They’ll learn how to respect others by watching you.
9. Let them learn- You can’t do everything for your child and sometimes they need to learn on their own, with you cheering them on in the background.
10. Write them a note on the bathroom mirror -Encouragement is sent in several forms, let this be one of them.
11. Tell them what you love about them- We all feel a little down from time to time, tell you child what you love about them in order to encourage them.
12. Tell them that you believe in them!
13. Have a reward system in place.
14. Agree with their ideas once in a while.
15. Work with them on a project and allow them to lead- It’s encouraging to be the leader once in a while.
16. Spend time doing something your child loves to do- Sometimes it is fun to do something they love to do! Video games anyone? Yes, in a house of all boys, I am learning that I have to learn how to play video games. The boys LOVES this one!
17. Don’t put them down, build them up!
18. Let them know that they are doing GREAT!
19. Eat breakfast with them in the morning before school.
20. Have a mom’s or dad’s day out with your kiddo. This especially important to do when you have more than one kid. Having a day that is just dedicated to them is one of the boys’ favorite things to do with us.
21. Smile at your child from time to time.
22. Simple say “I love you” to your child to encourage them.
23. Have a pep talk with your child.
24. Say “thank you.”
25. Choose words that encourage them.
26. Go to one of their school events.
27. Write them a note in their lunchbox. {my boys love this one too!}
28. Build up their self-esteem.
29. Laugh at their jokes.
30. Let them win from time to time.
31. Don’t pick fights with your child. Sometimes, there are just some battles not worth fighting about. Learn to pick your battles.
32. Cheer your child on even when you have no idea what they’re up to!
32.5. Tell your child they he/she is a good kid. They’ll appreciate knowing what you think of them.
Encouraging a child can be kind of confusing, especially when you feel like you’re always messing something up. Take the time to encourage your child at least once a day, you’ll be glad you did.
What are some ways you encourage your kids? Leave me a comment below, I would love to add your ideas to this post!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I try hard to be as positive as possible. It is definitely not always easy, but I really do try.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
This is a great post. 32.5 is the best one on your list. It’s the one that stays with them the most.
Dawn says
This is a great, great post. It’s so important to build up a child’s self esteem from a young age. There’s so much in this world that can tear them down if we aren’t careful.
Melissa Pezza says
Love it, love it, love it! There is so much out there that can hurt our kids. We have to arm them with the self confidence and love to weather it all.
Jeanette says
These are all great tips! I try to do a lot of them. I love to write notes put them in his lunch. I am always trying to encourage them.
Liz Mays says
These are great ideas. You definitely want them to believe in themselves and have confident attitudes.
Melissa says
Picking the battles is one I constantly have to remind myself of. Kids really know how to get you heated about things but don’t waste your energy, it will be needed later, for sure!
lisa says
This is a great list. I need to keep this so I remember not to yell and to spend more time with my kids. They’re only little once.
michele d says
That’s a great list of tips. Encouragement shouldn’t take any effort. I make sure my kids know that.
Chubskulit Rose says
These are great list. I make sure to attend all of my kids school event, it makes them feel secure and loved!
Sicorra@NotNowMomsBusy says
This is an excellent list of tips! And every single tip is extremely important. By practicing those you are teaching your children very important life skills that they will use forever, and pass down to their children as well.
Lynndee says
That’s a great list. Love it! We always give our son 100% support in everything that he does – from playing soccer to playing the trumpet in the school concert band. Just one way of showing him how much he is loved.
Shaney Vijendranath says
I love number 10 – Write them a note on the bathroom mirror. I think it’s so important especially for girls; to remind them about how gorgeous they are the way they are. 🙂
Ann Bacciaglia says
These are all great ways to be encouraging to your children. It is so important to build your kids up. I always try to be positive and teach my kids to be as well.
Erin says
What an awesome list! I think this should get printed out and handed to parents during the school year… because this season is crazy. lol.
Jesica H says
I try to be as positive as I can with my boys, but its important to not use the same words over and over where they forget there meaning! I loved your pointers and tips and have some new things to do and say! Thank you!
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
Great tips, I certainly have my days when I need these reminders. I’ve pinned this to my Motherhood board.
Rebecca Swenor says
These are all great ideas for encouraging your children. It is so important for our children to know how important they are and how much we love them. All to often parents forget to encourage their children.
Krystal says
I am trying to not yell and encourage a lot more everyday. These are great tips and reminders!
Amanda @ Adorkablii says
I have to admit I do yell more then Id care too but I am trying to be as encouraging as I possibly can. I need to try harder. I have an amazing son and he’s pretty awesome if I do say so myself! Thank you for this post!!!