Having small kids means that there are certain daily routines that always need to be adhered to.
My kids are 4 and 1-and-a-half and so they REALLY like routine and generally hate change.
They like to eat the same foods, go to the same places and get to bed at roughly the same time each day, to feel secure and settled in the world.
In addition to keeping all of this as much in line for them as I can, I have started to tell them the same nice things every day too – positive messages I want them to hear and retain for as long as possible.
Here are the 5 things you should tell your kid every day:
1. “I love you so much”
This is a no-brainer for everyone who just automatically loves their kids anyway, but it can be easily forgotten when life is so hectic. I’m not one of those women who gushes about how much she loves her kids to everyone I meet but I DO tell them that I love them a ridiculous number of times per day.
2. “You’re so funny!”
I want them to know that when they are being silly and trying to make us laugh that it IS working, because I think it’s important to let them know how the power they have to make people happy.
3. “You’re such a smart boy/girl”
Sometimes I’m distracted and I miss my four-year-old explaining how rainbows work to me. But when I do stop and really listen to him, I marvel at the information he is absorbing and so I let him know. Similarly with Eva, whose current achievements are learning how to put her shoes on the right feet, gets the exact same praise.
4. “You’re so handsome/gorgeous/looking cool”
I really believe that positivity around body image can start young and so I want my kids to hear from me now that I think they are gorgeous just the way they are. I’m not looking for them to be vain, but I want them to know that their mum and dad think they are just lovely. When they’re a bit older, the message will change to self respect and safety but for now, they’re just ‘so gorgeous’.
5. “We are so lucky to have good kids like you”
My kids are not always good, what kid is? We have great struggles with Jacob’s wilful attitude and tantrums and Eva has just started to stamp her foot when protesting (yay!). But when they ARE good, I let them know how good they are because I want them to feel worthy, and useful, precious and proud of themselves.
(And of course I’m working on the premise that they might actually PREFER to behave well and receive positive praise so that they’ll keep it up!)
What things do you tell your kids every day? Let us know in the comments on Facebook.
