Encouragement: a balm of words to the soul
In a society inundated with children being pushed to be the best at everything they do, we sometimes lose focus on who they are. I fear we are creating a generation that will not know the value of being over doing; character over accomplishments.
What a lonely soul my child will grow up to be if she feels valued only because of her accomplishments. I need to intentionally give words of affirmation to the person my child is and her importance as a member of our family.
Here are a few ways we've tried to instill encouragement into our daily conversations.
1. Say "I love you" multiple times a day. Those three words, when repeated (genuinely) hold such power.
2. "I'm so glad I get to be your mom" is a phrase I try to say every single day. It speaks words of love and teaches them that motherhood is a gift.
3. When I used to pick my kids up in the carpool line, one phrase I used each afternoon in the car on the way home was, "I missed you today." I wanted my kids to know that they still remained in my heart even when we were apart.
4. One of the phrases I've been working on is, "you sure make my life fun." Yes, we have tough days, but for the most part, I wouldn't trade this time of my life for anything. They need to know that they bring me joy.
5. This last one is tricky because it requires balance. "You make me proud." We all need to hear that, even as adults. I just have to make sure they know I'm proud... without the expectation of perfection.
My own mom did such a great job being my cheerleader while I was growing up. The Lord knew I needed her encouragement; after all, my #1 love language is words of affirmation. :)
Keep up the good work, fellow moms! Your words will last a lifetime!
11 comments:
I just love all this Gretchen! My children are all very small, but I say most of these things as well. And I love that you emphasize how great they make your life. One of my goals is for my children to never have felt like they were a burden to me, rather brought me so much joy "just because" like you said...not b/c of anything they accomplish, but just because it is such a blessing that God trusts us with these lives!
AWESOME challenge and wonderful words... little ones can hear them all day long. It is never enough. (and don't forget your hubby he needs to know he is special too)
So sweet! I needed the reminder today!
LOVE this. We moms need this reminder daily. I never leave my kiddos without an "I love you" and I tell them that no matter what they do, I always will.
Love the picture of you and your mom. Two beautiful women.
Have a great weekend!
love these and i seem to say most of them pretty easy, except the I'm proud of you.....and it's probably the one they need to hear the most. Thanks, I'm going to try saying much more. And when you talk about your Mom and your relationship it always makes me cry! :)
You are a great mom & your kids not only hear these words of encouragement but your attitude shows it to them, too! I love you!!
I love this post!!! I express to my kids everday words of affirmation, and let them know HOW much I love and value them...
Thanks for sharing :) I plan to add your ideas in my day with kids...
i always enjoy when you share your "here are some things i do" ideas as a mom, wife, child of the King. one thing i also like to incorporate is telling him regularly how much of a blessing he is. (oh and the proud thing is a tricky one; i wrestle with knowing what that balance looks like for implementation. 'nother blog post idea for ya? . . . )
I needed to hear this Gretchen. Thanks for sharing.
You are a very good Mom! I agree with everything you said. We are not an activity based family but I find that we are in the minority!
First of all, I love the font of your blog. :)
Anyway, I see this as an encouragement from me - a daughter- to my mom, as I read this but she doesn't. I will say "I love you" to her and embrace her every moment.
Thank you for sharing such a precious post.
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