WORDS YOU SAY TO YOUR KIDS

1. 0

   mdawson17posted 15 years ago

   As times are getting harder I thought a thread of inspiring words that parents say to their kids would be a great idea!
   
   We never know who is reading that may just need a little reminder...
   
   What encouraging and inspiring words do you say to your children:
   
   For me I say these words to my children:
   
   "You Are My Super Hero"
   "I Am Proud"
   "Just One More Day"
   "You Have Made A Bad Choice Your Not A BAd Child"
   "I Love You"

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   1. 0

      cosetteposted 15 years agoin reply to this

      you ROCK
      
      you're awesome
      
      you look like a rock star in that shirt
      
      i love you

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   2. 57

      marydrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I love you is probably words that even adults don't hear enough but are so vital to our happiness

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   3. 57

      Phoenix Poetposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Well, this past weekend at Camporee I had to intervene between two boys who almost came to blows.
      I told them:  "Look, I'm no Ward Cleaver or Mr. Brady--and if you don't watch old TV shows you have no clue who those guys are anyway but--I can tell you this, whatever differences you have need to be worked out because you're both important to our troop and being older you're both important in leading our newer, younger boys."
      I know they aren't any words of wisdom but I thought someone might appreciate how I dated myself and then some!

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2. 56

   Dame Scribeposted 15 years ago

   How cute alright, let's see ...
   
   -- even adults makes mistakes
   -- learn from your mistakes
   -- plan what, where and how to get from point A to B
   -- Poopsy and Crabasaurus, love of my life
   -- trust that I want the best for you
   -- I love you
   
   they get tired of my long and on-going disciplining lectures too lol

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3. 67

   aka-djposted 15 years ago

   Stay away from negatives or anything critical. Know your kids, and encourage the appropriately.
   Mine are all grown up, but I never fail to remind then that I love them.
   Every now and then I throw in something "deep and meaningful" when it's appropriate. I don't do it too often so as not to minimise its effect.
   Hugs still say a lot in our family.

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4. 61

   Rangerwifeposted 15 years ago

   -You're in trouble, but mama still loves you so much.
   -You can't do this, because I love you and want to make sure you're safe.
   -Mama's so proud of you.
   -Mama loves you.
   -You're beautiful.

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5. 68

   TINA Vposted 15 years ago

   Some inspiring words we can say to our children are:
   
   * God loves you
   * We love you very much
   * You did a great job
   * Everybody makes mistakes so just learn from it.
     But don't do it again.
   * Your mom & dad are so proud of you
   * Keep up the good work

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   Gracious Octoberposted 14 years ago

   I love you so much ( accompanied with a smothering hug)
   
   Can i borrow some of your smarts?
   
   You have such a great smile.
   
   I am so happy to have you in my life.

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   Rayalternatelyposted 14 years ago

   OK, you can come down now, the chimney is clean enough!

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      Justine Tposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      the chiminey is clean enuff haha funny

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8. 60

   Jackthepugposted 14 years ago

   Wow, everyone is so positive. I have never been slobbered over, nor do I do much slobbering. Words lose their meaning if they are said when the child has done nothing to earn them.  I do tell him this every day.
       1. Remember to do your best - your best is all I will ask of you.
       Occasionally I say:
   and that depends on the situation: 1.Adults are not perfect, they do not always say or do the right things.
        2. Remember to tell the truth. It is easier to keep someone's trust that way. Much harder to get it back after you have lied.
        3. What you do now at twelve will affect your future life. The habits that you develop will stand you in good stead.

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9. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   my sons are in their 20's, they made it through the teen years.
   one is out, college grad, owns his home, great career.
   younger one works full time in the medical field and works on his music career.
   
   I'm so proud of you, you work hard and it's paying off for you.
   
   you can't even imagine how much I love you.
   
   keep focused on what you're doing. you're heading in the right direction.
   
   where are we going for dinner???   

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10. 60

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    I use different words for each child, as they are two different people.
    
    My son: I tell him often that he has a huge heart and that he is loved so much.
    
    Practice won't make you perfect, just better
    
    Don't judge by the cover, you never know what is inside.
    
    Be yourself, be true to yourself, & love yourself as a whole person.

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11. 62

    Lisa HWposted 14 years ago

    Mine are grown, but these were the ones I always said (and still sometimes do):
    
    What you did wasn't right, and I don't want it to happen again; but you messed up because you're a kid.  All kids mess up sometimes.
    
    I know what a sensible person you are.
    I know you're an intelligent person.
    I know what a good person you are.
    You're such a decent, decent, person.
    Aunt so-and-so has always loved you so much.
    Uncle so-and-so has always thought so much of you.
    Daddy and I have always been so, so, happy to have you in our lives.
    
    
    You're such a pretty girl.
    You're such a handsome boy (or "young guy", depending on their age)
    
    Depending on which child: 
    
    You've got such pretty light brown, shampoo-ad, hair.
    You've got such beautiful, dark, wavy, hair - like Nana's family
    You've always had such pretty, gold, wavy, hair. 
    Then there's "beautiful blue eyes", "beautiful dark brown eyes", "beautiful lashes", "nice, straight, legs", "beautiful teeth" - or whatever it is they have that they should know they have and feel good about.
    
    Then the "biggies":
    
    I've always been so proud of the person you are.
    It was really nice of you to ___________________, the way you did.
    I've just always absolutely loved you so much.
    I don't think you should always think the way I do.  I've always wanted you to think for yourself.
    I know how old you are.  I remember being your age.
    No matter what else ever happens in my life, I'm happy because of you.

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12. 68

    Hope Wilbanksposted 14 years ago

    I *love* this thread! As a child who very rarely received any verbal praise, just reading through all these makes me smile. Mostly, I smile because I say most of these things to my own children, and I know deep inside that every time I do say something positive to them, I am breaking those chains of abuse I suffered all those years ago.

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       aguasilverposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       So right sister, my childhood held little positive encouragement, the best it got was "I hope you never go to jail, I'd be so embarrassed", so when my son was born I realized I had the opportunity to do by him that which I wished had been done to me, and just loved him all the time and always took the time to explain to him who, what, why, where and when about all the things I forbade or recommended for him to do.
       
       I was a single father, so I NEVER left him for school or let him go anywhere (even to sleep) without telling him I loved him, I wanted to be sure that should I die or we never met again, my last words would always be those...
       
       I love you.

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       Madison22posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I feel the same way. Long ago I made a pact with myself that I would never speak to my kids the way my mother spoke to me, and I never have. I show them praise and tell them positive things to assure them of how smart,beautiful and strong they are.

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13. 0

    sneakorocksolidposted 14 years ago

    Hey Champ!
    I don't know anyone as smart as you!
    You can do anything!
    
    What! Come here so I can hit you!(he never came)

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14. 56

    aeorabeamposted 14 years ago

    How about
    
    "I love you for who you are, not for what you achieve."
    
    I think its important not to focus too much on performance.

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15. 61

    tobey100posted 14 years ago

    Having 5 boys most of the things I say to my kids aren't near as profound as or those in the other comments I've read. However, here are probably the top five:
    
    What have you got in your mouth?
    For the last time get in here, its time to eat?
    What in the world do you think your watching?
    I thought I put you to bed 2 hours ago?
    Can one of you guys please tell me what that smell is?

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       ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Made me lol.  I'll add to this list to...
       "Don't lick your brother."
       "Yucky. Stop eating that."
       "No. You can't ride your baby brother like a horse."
       "Where's mama's pretty keys?"
       "Well, how did the animal crackers get inside your socks in the first place?"
       
       

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    2. 65

       Ivorwenposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Having 5 boys myself, I can so identify with these! 
       
       *You are so funny!
       *You make me laugh!
       *Come here, silly boy.
       *Get your work done, then you can play without thinking about it.
       *Lets read.
       *That is an interesting idea.  How do you plan to make it work? (then, really listen as the child explains some insanely complicated scheme.)
       
       Then, there are the not so positive ones that always make the kids smile:
       
       *You stink!  Lets take care of that diaper.
       *Stop making that disgusting noise!
       *Ewww!  What is that smell?

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    3. 61

       RNMSNposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       you got it on the nail tobey!! the love gets all mixed in with the times of "by the time you hear the words uh-oh its too late" but the funny stuff is the glue that holds you together after they are grown and gone eh? love to you all

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16. 62

    kysnoopyq42posted 14 years ago

    You're the closest thing to Heaven I'm ever going to get to here on Earth.
    
    How about, "How was School today".. what an easy question to ask, to show an interest.
    
    Or, we could use sign language, what I call a big long hug. You won't have to say a word. And best of all, it's understood in all 50 languages.

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17. 54

    Lloyd Christmasposted 14 years ago

    I usually call them over randomly like i am going to ask them a serious question and ask "how did you get to be so pretty" or "how did you get to be so clever. It always gets a smile, i never had any confidence, even as a child so i hope to make my kids more confident than i ever was by always trying to reinforce how much i love them.

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18. 63

    prettydarkhorseposted 14 years ago

    I have three sons and two daughters,
    
    I always say these words to encourage them
    
    Good job!
    
    Say thank you mom,
    
    Please please please
    
    Guve me a hug!
    
    Mommy loves you, but I need to do this,,,

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19. 0

    Justine76posted 14 years ago

    thank you
    im sorry
    sure you can
    wich one do you want?
    yes
    good job
    im the mommy, you dont need to worry about that
    ....and the biggest thing is ive never talked down to my kids..

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20. 61

    tobey100posted 14 years ago

    For some unknown reason I've always referred to the guys as 'catfish'.  Have no idea where it came from.  The youngest told me one time I needed to come up with nicknames for each.  He claims they can't all be catfish.

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21. 62

    Krystal Blueposted 14 years ago

    What I say to mine...
    
    ~I wouldn't take a billion dollars for ya, but I wouldn't spend one penny for one just like ya! - That is said with a wink, a big smile and a hug.
    
    ~You're the best ever!
    
    ~You can do it! You can do anything!
    
    ~Try again, it gets easier.
    
    ~Nothing you do will ever make me not love you!
    
    ~You're not alone.
    
    ~I love you bunches on top of bunches!

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22. 0

    lyricsingrayposted 14 years ago

    no

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23. 62

    Krystal Blueposted 14 years ago

    These, I think are very important to say to children...
    
    ~Please?
    
    ~Thank you.
    
    ~Yes (or No), little Ma'am or little Sir.
    
    
    ~I need your help.

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24. 59

    drwebbposted 14 years ago

    It is important that children know:
    
    How proud you feel about them
    How much you love them
    You are always there for them
    You really care about them
    No one is perfect and we all make mistakes
    God loves them
    They can turn to you for anything no matter what they are going through

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25. 60

    Merriweatherposted 14 years ago

    Let's see:
    
    "That's what the washing machine is for" is a favorite; they are messy and often upset with themselves for it.
    
    "You are, as Mary Poppins would say, 'practically perfect in every way.'"

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26. 81

    pay2cEMposted 14 years ago

    - Please stop smearing mashed potatoes on the tv screen
    
    - Go tell your mom to help you get my phone out of the pool
    
    - Those shoes don't match, and they're both on the wrong feet.  Ah,
    screw it! wear whatever you want. : )
    
    - You can have a puppy when you learn to stop squashing the frog
    
    - No, sweetie. It's 11:30 at night.  We're not going to the zoo.
    
    - Because I said s--------aw CRAP!  Honey!  I almost said it!  It almost slipped out, but I caught it just in time!  Whew, that was close!  (first one of us to say it loses a very.... um.... "lucrative" bet)
    
    - Sleep tight my angel

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27. 0

    Lady_Eposted 14 years ago

    To my best friends kids:
    
    That's lovely
    I'm proud of you
    Always listen to mummy
    Sugar Pops
    Love yah

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    heart4thewordposted 14 years ago

    I'm sorry
    You are special
    I love You
    Can you help me with...
    Be careful about the friends you choose...

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29. 0

    A Texanposted 14 years ago

    No, you can't borrow money!

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30. 0

    Home Girlposted 14 years ago

    If you hurt yourself you hurt me too, as you are part of me.     I cannot live without you.

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31. 61

    MovieMagicposted 14 years ago

    I am not happy with what you did, but I love you and always will.
    
    How was your day? (and actually be interested in the answer)
    You are the best Opsy I could ever have. (my son was unplanned)
    How's my superman today?
    Great manners buddy thank you!

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32. 0

    Denno66posted 14 years ago

    go find your real parents!

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33. 71

    ThoughtfulSpotposted 14 years ago

    Mdawson, thanks for the fabulous thread.  During the holidays, its hard sometimes to not get caught up in the hectic, crazy times and be short or irritated with the ones we love. Some of these posts were a great reminder to me to slow down a little... I needed it this week. Ok, here's a few.
    
    "Even if Mom and Dad are mad, we will always, ALWAYS love you. No matter what."
    "You're a really awesome kid."
    "Oh my Goodness! You're so strong!"
    "Great job teeny man! High five!" (my little one's favorite thing to do right now.)
    And, when sitting with my 2 loves at night, reading before bed "This is my favorite part of my whole day."  And, it is too.

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       alexandriaruthkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I agree with you, they are all encouraging notes

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    dlrichardsonposted 14 years ago

    Let's see....
    My daughter is 13 and my son is 6, to my daughter I usually say:
    "I love you more than you will ever know"
    "Keep trying, you'll get it"
    "I know that look and it's mine"
    "Sometimes you just have to trust that I made the right decision"
    "I know you don't like to read, but what does that sign say?"
    "Have you thought about trying it this way..."
    "Some kids are just mean and the best thing you can do is walk away."
    
    to my son:
    "Put your shirt back on"
    "Well, where did you take your shoes off??"
    "You have to do your homework and get used to it because you have a whole lot of school in front of you"
    "No you can't have a snack, it's time for bed."
    "Because I love you and I said so"
    "Pick up your socks from my living room floor"

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    Denno66posted 14 years ago

    Go play in traffic...

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    R W Harringtonposted 14 years ago

    Here are some I've used:
    "Try not to worry about it...just do your best.  If you do your best and fail, consider it a learning experience."
    
    "If it was easy, everybody would be doing it."
    
    Remember:  "Whether you think you can, or you can't, you're right" (Henry Ford). 
    
    "If you tell yourself you can't do it, you've just started yourself off with 2 strikes against you. Start off by believing you can."
    
    "You don't have to do anything to earn my love.  I Love you and will always Love you no matter what."
    
    "I will only be disappointed in you if I know you didn't give it your best shot."

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37. 0

    Hikikomoriposted 14 years ago

    I don't have kids.

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38. 60

    thirdmilleniumposted 14 years ago

    Look at you!
    
    Your girl friend? She looks a sight!
    
    Me? Take you to ball game? You are kidding!
    
    Your mother and I need to be alone so beat it!
    
    Come after 12 and you will find the door locked!

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39. 61

    mseposted 14 years ago

    "I'm sorry"
    I say this when I get frustrated and raise my voice or realize I have ignored them when they were trying to talk to me.  I want them to know no one is perfect, but we can apologize. I think these words are powerful.
    
    "I love you"
    I say this every day.
    
    "You are so lucky, you are pretty AND smart"
    
    "I saw you __________, that was so thoughtful"
    I try very hard to catch them when they are being good.

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40. 69

    Ms Chievousposted 14 years ago

    You mean everything to me
    
    
    even when I am not there I am with you
    
    You are my heart

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    dyesebel10posted 14 years ago

    you will miss me someday
    
    you'll become a mommy or daddy someday

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    Mama Sezposted 14 years ago

    To my daughter:  You are so beautiful like your Mom
                     You are very responsible
                     I trust you
    
    To my son:       You are my little scientist
                     Very brilliant idea
                     I'm so proud of you, keep going.....
    
    To both:         I love you ( I say this always)

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    zmansfamposted 14 years ago

    Unconditiona Love Always!
    You may make wrong choices, but choices do not define you- what you do with the consequences of them do!
    more for teen young adult.

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    Light and Loveposted 14 years ago

    You are a very wise woman.

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45. 0

    Babycareworldposted 14 years ago

    You Brighten My Day! Let your child know how much joy they bring into your life. Show them that they are a blessing.

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46. 61

    Emilyfvposted 14 years ago

    Here's one I tell my little guy since he was a toddler:
    You're the Can-Do-It boy! You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to.

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    Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 14 years ago

    This is a great thread.  I was always big on the "I" word when our children were little.  If they were doing something that wasn't what they should be doing, for instance, I would say, "I'm not very happy about this."  This way they didn't have a lot of negativism about themselves.  With my youngest grandchild -- a few years ago -- I fell into the same habit and didn't even realize it. 
    
    One day she had managed to make a big mess on our livingroom carpet.  I walked into the room.  She jumped up and said, "Aw you vewy happy about this, Gwandma?"

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