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“I’m grateful for you.” -

Telling your child that you're grateful for them helps boost their self-esteem and lets them know that you value them and the things they do. 

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“What do you think?” -

Asking for your child's thoughts and opinions will help teach them that they have a voice, no matter how young they might be. It also teaches critical thinking skills and encourages them to form their own opinion and convey it accordingly.

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“I enjoy spending time with you.” -

Telling your child you enjoy their company and appreciate their time teaches them that effort and intention are valuable. It also helps your child feel wanted and welcomed.

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“All of us make mistakes.” -

Normalize failure for your child. Mistakes happen and it doesn't mean something inherently negative about any of us. Teach your child that we're all in this together and how they can pivot from their mistake.

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“You’re special to me.” -

Your child is in a constant state of growth and experiencing new things and emotions as they age. Taking time to tell them that they're special to you makes it clear to them that they matter and have someone in their corner.

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“I trust you.” -

Trust is essential for children and adults alike. Letting your child know you trust them can mean the world to them. They will likely feel they have a safe space where they can come and share problems or concerns if need be and that they will be heard.

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“You’re getting better at…” -

Saying this to your child demonstrates that you're paying attention to them. It also helps them recognize growth within themselves and their skills and abilities. Growth is important for children.

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“Have a good day!” -

Wishing your child a good day is a simple yet impactful sentence. It shows them you care at a basic level and want good things for them.

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“Let me think about it.” -

This is an alternative to saying "no" outright. It teaches children to analyze and assess the facts of the situation and then come to an informed decision.

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“What happened here?” -

This can be a great question to ask your child instead of assigning blame or jumping to conclusions. Let your child practice their honesty skills and communicate what occurred concisely.

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“I’m sorry.” -

Saying "I'm sorry" to your child teaches them that it's okay. When you're at fault for something, it's ok to acknowledge it and offer a genuine apology in return.

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“Your practice is paying off.” -

Saying this demonstrates a correlation between practice and results. It lets the child know that what they've been doing is proving useful or successful.

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“How did you do that?” -

Asking your child "How did you do that" encourages next-level thinking. It requires them to focus on the process versus the outcome and their journey to the end.

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“What’s one interesting thing that happened in school today?” -

Asking about your child's life shows you care and are invested. Whether it's something large or small, you're there to listen. It's important to be involved in your child's life.

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“What did you try hard at today?” -

This is an excellent conversation starter that helps kids think critically about what challenging tasks they worked through that day and the results they had.

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“I’m sure you can do it.” -

Confidence in your child goes a long way! They might not believe in themselves so hearing you say that they can do something will help them gain courage and complete whatever the task at hand is.

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“You decide.” -

"You decide" puts the child in charge or at least gives them the allusion of control. Being a kid can be hard when a lot of your life is directed by your parents. So, sometimes, put the power of small decisions at the feet of your kiddo and watch them flourish.

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“How do you feel about that?” -

Instead of asking your child if they are experiencing a certain emotion, ask a more general question like "how do you feel about that?" It shows the child you care while also giving them the space to label their own emotions.

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“I’m ready to listen.” -

This will teach your child that you're there for them. It suggests that you're in a good headspace and have the time to listen and will do so in a judgment-free way.

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“I love you.” -

Every child wants to know they're loved. Ensure you regularly tell your child how much they mean to you and how much you love them.

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“You make me smile.” -

It's a simple thing to say yet it will likely make your child very happy. Taking the time to highlight what about them makes you happy will bring a smile to their face.

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“Your opinion is important.” -

This shows your child that they are significant and so is their voice. Children might feel unseen at times or not listened to because of their age, so empower them with this one sentence.

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“You were right.” -

Don't be afraid to admit when your child is right. It shows that you are humble and can admit when you've made a mistake. This demonstrates to your child that it's okay to do the same whenever they are in the wrong.

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“I can see that you’re becoming more…” -

This sentence shows your child that you're paying attention to them and impressed at their growth. Whether it's more independence, a more studious demeanor, or something else entirely, comment on improvements you notice about your child.

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“I’m excited about doing this with you!” -

Children often get excited when they see you getting excited. Show your child that the things that are important to them are also important and exciting to you.

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“That’s a good question.” -

Validate your child and let them know when they ask an insightful or good question. It teaches them that critical thinking is valued and appreciated.

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“I accept you the way you are.” -

Telling your child that you love them no matter what can make them feel understood and more confident. The love a parent has for their child should be unconditional. Always share this with your child. Even if you might not take the same course of action as they did, they will always be your child.

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“You’re an important member of this family.” -

Validate your child and let them know that they are an important part of the family. Whether you have one child or five, let children know that they are unique, special, and valued.

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“I believe in you.” -

From a young age, telling children you believe in them can make a significant difference in helping them overcome their fears. The world can be a scary place, especially for kids, so knowing that a trusted adult believes in them can empower them to face and conquer challenges with confidence.

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“I saw that you tried hard at…” -

Acknowledging your child is trying hard can help them feel seen. Though they might not be great at something, letting them see the value of trying can help them build a resilient spirit.

Sources: (Daniel Wong) (Overthought This)

See also: Things parents should never say to their kids

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