Last Updated on March 22, 2024
As we journey through the ups and downs of motherhood, one of the most powerful tools we have is our words. In this blog post, we’re diving into 52 heartfelt things to say to your child to lift their spirits, boost their confidence, and remind them of God’s love.
A simple word of encouragement and affirmation can make a world of difference for our kids. Want to make your child feel great? Try using one of these phrases!
What to say to make your child feel great
1. The way you [insert action] is such a perfect addition for our family. God knew just what we needed when He gave us you.
2. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for [insert specific action]?
3. I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up again, okay?
4. I want to hang out with just you tonight. What do you want to do?
5. Thank you!
6. Yes, there is food in the house.
7. I trust you.
8. I can’t believe how [insert positive adjective] you are. I can’t imagine the plans God has for you!
9. I saw how you [insert specific positive action]. I’m so proud of you.
10. There’s money on the table for you.
11. I believe you.
12. I’m proud of you. And even if you weren’t so fantastic, I’d still be proud.
13. I know you and I haven’t been seeing eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so we both feel understood and secure.
14. I got you this, just because.
15. Lately I’ve really seen you grow in the area of [insert character quality], like when you [insert specific action].
16. I admire you in [insert specific area]. In fact, I could learn a lot from you in that area.
17. That was a really wise choice.
18. Snow day!
19. You’re really growing into a young man/woman of character. I can’t tell you how exciting that is!
20. I remember when I [insert vulnerable moment]. I felt so [insert description]. I don’t know if that’s like what you’re going through, but it was a tough time for me.
21. No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always be glad you’re mine. I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.
22. Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.
23. I had no idea you could do that! You impress me.
24. What do you think?
25. I canceled your dentist appointment.
26. I love your dad so much! He is so [insert adjective].
27. I love being around you.
28. No chores today.
29. I’m so glad you’re home.
30. I love doing [insert activity] with you.
31. You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever gotten. I am so humbled He gave me you.
32. I feel so proud when I’m with you.
33 You handled that so well.
34. I made your favorite [insert food].
35. You know, you may not feel very [insert adjective], but God knew exactly what He was doing you making you the way He did; it was just how He wanted to express Himself. I love you just the way He made you. And I wouldn’t have wanted Him to do it any differently.
36. I’m trusting that God will take perfect care of us. He’s always done it before! Can we pray together about this?
37. With God’s help, your dad and I will never, ever get a divorce.
38. That looks great on you.
39. If I were in your shoes, I would feel so [insert adjective]. Is that how you feel?
40. Would you turn your music up?
41. You are so well-disciplined in [insert specific area].
42. I sent you a big ol’ care package in the mail.
43.That was so courageous.
44. Do you feel like I’m understanding you?
45. If there was one thing you could change about me as your mom, what would it be?
46. You have some real gifts in the area of [insert adjective].
47. Let’s go to Grandma’s!
48. It is so cool to watch you grow up.
49. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you.
50. I miss you, but I’m glad you’re having a good time!
51. You make me so happy just by being you.
52. I love you so much.
Each of these phrases that you share, and every moment of connection created, is a building block for your child’s confidence and your relationship! So let’s keep the conversation flowing, moms. Here’s to filling your days with words that make your child’s heart soar and their spirit radiate with happiness!
I said #12 and #19 to my 6 year old daughter this morning. You should have seen her face light up!
That is so sweet…! Love it.
#47 is my favorite!
I think it's my kids' favorite, too, Mom…!
This is a great list, and I'm pretty sure I've said 90% of them to my daughters. I think #2 might be the most important on the list, because so many parents seem reluctant to say it. Here are couple more of my favorites:
– Let's dance
– I love you, and there's nothing you can do about it.
– Let's turn off the TV and read a book together.
Hi! I love this list. I teach Preschool at a church here in Alphareta, Ga. Do you mind if I share this with my
student’s parents? I think this is a great resource for all parents to have. I will credit you by noting this website page. Thank you!
Hi Cindy, It should be ok, but please send an email to us at momlifetoday@familylife.com with where and how you would like to use the article so we can route you through the right permissions. Thanks!
I like number 47!
I said #31 to my 20 year old son and he almost cried 🙂
I am so thankful to read this. Thanks for making my day, too, Meghan!
Thanks for this, I love them all but since my daughter was born on Christmas day (my husband too amazingly enough) #31 just has to be my favorite!
I don’t have children yet but I get things for my future, anyways these make my heart swell and I want to cry! Their so beautiful and full of love! God bless you! I you have an amazing and beautiful heart!
Why does this have to be injected with God? I would have been interested to read this, but many of us don’t believe in a deity, you know.
Perhaps you could find such a list created by someone who also does not believe in a deity.
In the bottom left of my screen, it says that this is a ministry of family life. One of the definitions for ministry is the work or vocation of the ministry of a religion. I think most religions have at least one diety. Maybe you need to find a different website?
I am impressed.Being a mother of twins i should follow them.
I just made this page my homepage. I need to see it daily to remind myself to say a few every day.
You need a print feature! I need this on my fridge! 🙂
Excellent ideas! I’ll definitely be using a few of these around here on my boys. My oldest especially likes to hear #6, #18, and #22. He appreciates anything that involves FOOD, less SCHOOLWORK, and more SLEEP. 🙂
Grand girls are with their dad for a second 3 week visit. It is a difficult time for them and I will send them texts with these special tidbits of self-esteem packed in a text message. Thank you for taking the time to share the special words of encouragement that all kids need.
Great stuff, powerful message for the most important person in my life.
Greatly appreciated! !!!!
I badly needed this information. i am making a biggest mistake in dealing my kids i guess i could still save their self-esteem now. my daughters are adorable but there would come a time when i resort to nagging, shouting, do reverse psychology and even hitting them just to make them straight or to get the way i wanted them have or to be.. And these information i really can say that i have to overhaul everything through following the information 52 Things to Say to Make Your Child Feel Great.. my greatest appreciation and gratitude to momlife today,..keep up the good work..
Maria, thanks for your vulnerability. My heart hurts for you to hear your struggle. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for you right now.
These are great but I’d like to suggest another.
I know you have been struggling with but i know you have been really trying hard. We are so proud of you because you are working hard to get it and for not giving up. Just doing your best is the best