The Power of Encouragement

When you encourage your child, you give him courage.

Your child will need courage to

To learn to not give up when he has a problem, is afraid or is challenged.

Learn to do the right thing, even when it is hard.

Say “no” to alcohol or other drugs when he is older, by being above the influence.

Make his dreams come true.

Ways you can help your child develop courage

• Let your child know you see her as capable. Help your child when they need it but do not do everything for her.
• Provide help to your child when they ask. Listen to discover exactly what they need help with rather than jumping in and taking over the task.
• Help her learn one step at a time until she can do the entire task on her own.
• Have positive expectations for your child’s behavior. Expect that that will behave well rather than presuming they will misbehave again.
• Notice what your child does right and tell them what you notice.
• Let them know that their mistakes don’t define or limit them because everyone makes mistakes and mistakes are opportunities for learning how to do something better the next time.
• Let your child know you value who she is rather than just what she does.

Your kind actions and kind words will help your child grow courageous.

Also visit our post Raising a Courageous Child for more on this topic.