23/09/2023
𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝟳 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗞𝗶𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝗲𝗱𝘀 𝗧𝗼 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿
Here are seven things every kid needs to hear, regardless of their age or stage.
1. I Love You.
Continually telling your kid that you love them (even when they are teens and roll their eyes) provides a psychological scaffolding of safety, trust, and emotional security.
2. I'm Proud of You.
Applaud effort over achievement and let 'em know that you're proud of the work they put in. This contributes to habit formation and the development of intrinsic motivation.
3. I'm Sorry.
I struggle with this one as a parent. But modeling responsibility and ownership is crucial. As the saying goes, "more is caught than taught."
4. I Forgive You.
K̵i̵d̵s̵ people make mistakes. The question is: what will you do when you inevitably mess up? By saying I forgive you, kids know it's ok to admit mistakes which is the first step in taking ownership.
5. I'm Listening.
You can't control a 15-year-old, but you can influence them by listening and asking strategic questions. Doing such will help them develop their own mature convictions and allow you to lead them there.
6. This Is Your Responsibility.
Bailing a kid out of a mess they created is bailing them out of a chance to mature. Instead, be there for moral support and guidance, but let them clean up their mess.
7. You've Got What It Takes.
If they know you believe in them, they're better prepared to take baby steps to accomplish their goals and face their adversities.
BONUS: #8. No
Sometimes the most loving and caring thing you can tell a kid is NO. Rest assured, they won't appreciate it at the moment. But parenting is about the long game.