Do you find that most of the compliments you give your kids come after they have achieved something? These kinds of encouraging words are important, but maybe try exercising the encouragement muscle a little more when your children don’t expect it.
Most kids, whether they are young or old, still look up to and respect the opinion of their parents. Unexpected encouragement from their parents at just the right time will mean a lot to them and might be just what they need.
How Encouraging Words Benefit Both Parents and Children
Just this morning I told my adult son how much I appreciate him. He was doing nothing special一just doing his job. But I could tell that this random act of encouragement brightened his face. It brightened mine.
Periodically encouraging our kids, for no reason at all, is like medicine to the soul. Not only will your kids feel better, but you will also一just for doing it. That doesn’t mean you should follow our culture’s lead and flatter Junior every time he turns around. Kids see right through that stuff.
Proverbs 15:23 says, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply一how good is a timely word!” The timing might be as important as the word.
Picture Provided by: blanca_rovira