This evening was our monthly homeschoolers association meeting. I was reminded at the meeting of the importance of ENCOURAGMENT. Not just encouraging eachother, but also encouraging our children and our spouses. It's so easy to correct our children as they do their work -- "try to write a little neater", "Work a little faster", "You need to use better grammer", or even "sit up straighter", but do we remember to encourage and recognize the things that they have done well? Do we praise them for the things they are doing even though it's so easy to see the errors?
A few good pointers about encouragment: - For every constructive criticizm, make two encouraging, positive comments - Always start a correction with a positive comment - Praise for random, simple acts - Be Genuine. Do not praise falsely or be gushy or the words will loose their meaning.
And a few ideas of what to say when encouraging and praising your children... See how many you can use today in a genuine way!
- I believe in you. - Thanks so much for the way you handled that situation. - Even though it didn’t work out this time, you tried, and that’s what matters. - I really appreciate the way you did that. - I like spending time with you. - You’re a really cool person. - You did a great job putting your toys away. - You have a beautiful smile. - I love to hear you laugh (or sing or tell a story). - I’m so thankful God chose to give you to us. - My life would be pretty boring without you. - That was a fabulous idea you came up with. - I think you did that much better than I could have done it. - Way to go! - You showed a lot of courage in that situation. - Let’s work on it together. - I couldn’t have done it without you. - That’s awesome! - You did the right thing, even when no one was watching; that shows you’re a person of integrity. - I’m very proud of you. - Hey, thanks. - I’m sorry. - You’re a lot of fun to be with. - I can tell you’ve been working hard. - I just love spending time with you. - You used good judgment. - I appreciate the way you thought that through. - Most people wouldn't have been that smart (determined, focused, wise). - I'm so glad you are my child. - You really understand how to be a good friend to others. - You are just great! - Thanks for helping even when I don’t ask. - You are a true blessing to me. - You did a wonderful job. - I love your heart. - I'm so glad I get to be your parent. - You are so special. - I know that wasn’t your favorite thing to do — thanks for your wonderful attitude. - Terrific! - You are someone who sticks to it. - What a kind thing to say. - You make me so happy. - I knew you could do it. - You’re the best! - I love you.
1:55 AM, Thursday, September 28, 2006
.. Posted by kateyz
I haven't been by for a little while, so I thought I'd come and catch up. I'm glad I did, I love all the encouragements for our children. I've printed them out and I'm going to challenge myself to use them and use them genuinely.
How are things going with baby prep?
Blessings
Kathleen
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5:28 PM, Thursday, September 28, 2006
.. Posted by DanielleW
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing that. I needed that VERY much today. Thank you so much.
I needed the reminder too!
10:51 PM, Thursday, September 28, 2006
.. Posted by Hagertroops7
This list is now ready to print for the inside of my kitchen cabinet! Oh, how easy is it to only see the negative! In reality, encouraging the positive always brings the effects you desired when you addressed the negative stuff!
Thanks!
~April
Encouragement
10:26 PM, Friday, September 29, 2006
.. Posted by tbrowne
What a great reminder! I try to encourage my kids and I am going to try to use some of your suggestions. I probably tend to say the same few praises and I saw some in their that were really great!
Also, I know how frustrating potty training can be. Maybe try to keep her on the potty a little longer by singing a short song to her- I was thinking this would help with her going a few minutes after being there.
Just an idea. I think playing and distractions are the biggest detriment to success.
Good luck!
Terrill
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12:09 PM, Monday, October 2, 2006
.. Posted by mom2chris
Thanks for this! I really needed to see this right now. :) If you don't mind, I am going to add you to my friends list, so I can remember to check your blog. I ran across it a while back and I would like to keep visiting! Have a great week. :)
