This past school year, I’ve spent more time than ever reflecting on those early years of being a homeschooling mom. I loved those years, and think about them with such warm memories.
Read-alouds snuggled on the couch, nap time every afternoon, take the day off for the park…bliss!
As we move into these harder (to me) tween and teenage years, I’m happy that I was able to spend so much time with my children to lay those good foundations of relationship. Because we’ve needed to rely on that stable base lately.
If my children don’t remember one single thing about our homeschooling days, I want them to understand that their mama loves them with a fierce love.
While I’ve spent so much time thinking over those younger years, it led me to think about the phrases I say to my children over and over.
What we say to our children is important, and I try to be super intentional about it.
Here are a few…
You are my favorite (insert name here).
Doesn’t every child want to know they’re the favorite?!
Each child really is with this, though, which makes it all the more comforting. I often say this phrase as I’m telling my kiddos goodnight, or when they need an extra dose of affection.
I have five children, and they each need individualized attention. This is an easy way to make that happen in a genuine way.
I’m happy to see you this morning!
I try to tell my children this a few times each week, even if they’re grumpy in the morning. I want them to know I’m looking forward to spending my day with them.
On the mornings when it’s hardest to crawl out of bed and be around people all day (I’m an introvert. Sigh.), I still say this to my children. It does seem to put a brighter spin on the day when I can get my attitude straight with this simple little phrase.
Please forgive me.
I mess up. A lot. Sometimes I say something harsh or critical to my child, sometimes I lose my temper, sometimes I break a promise unintentionally.
I want my children to know that I’m not perfect. I want them to understand that when you wrong or slight someone, even if it’s just in a small way, they deserve an acknowledgement and apology for that.
And in that same vein…
God’s mercies are new every morning and so are your mama’s.
Lamentations 3:23 tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning.
God, the Creator of all, sent His Son Jesus so I could be redeemed and made right with him. If God can have new mercies every morning, well than I certainly can too.
It feels good putting my head on the pillow at night knowing that I am forgiven and my sins are forgotten. While my children experience this same security from the Lord, they also can wake up in the morning knowing that their slate is wiped clean with me as well.
I’m so proud of your hard work.
When I’ve put forth a lot of effort and grit and hard work, it’s nice for other people around me to recognize it. When I have worked especially hard on dinner one night, or when I have spent extra energy cleaning a cluttered spot in the house, it feels good when someone else notices.
This is true for my children as well. When my girl that struggles with diligence puts forth good effort with her schoolwork, I make sure I lavish a lot of praise. A lot of times, that positive feedback spurs her on to be all the more diligent in doing other types of school or house work.
And it’s also really nice to give positive feedback to her instead of always feeling like I’m nagging. I really hate to nag.
I appreciate when my children do a good job on their household chores. While I do expect their hard work in completing their jobs, I also want to make sure they know I appreciate their hard work.
5 More Sentences I Say to My Children
I’ll be back in a couple of days with 5 more phrases I say to my children.
In the meantime, tell me a few positive sentences you say to your own children. I think it’s safe to say that all mamas need a few new ideas and encouragement every now and then!
I’m looking forward to reading them in the comments below!
Months of the Year Worksheets
Oh how I use ‘please forgive me’ SO much. I’ve been intentional on using ‘I’m proud of your hard work’ as well. I find it’s important and effective to praise our kiddos actions instead of traits. (< Not sure if that's the word I'm looking for lol)
I could’t agree with you more! xo
Oh this is wonderful, thank you for sharing! I love to look at my kids when they come downstairs in the morning and just give them a huge grin and tell them how happy I am to see them. I also love to tell my children, “I am so GLAD you are my son/daughter.” It’s too easy to only correct all the time, and this post is a good reminder to speak words of life on a regular basis!
You’re right, Amy, that it is so easy to get into the habit of only correction since that is the easiest. I’m ashamed of how often I pull myself out of full-time correction mode.
xo, Lauren
Found this through the Classically Homeschooling blog hop and it’s definitely something I needed to read today! I have one child in particular that needs more reassurance and connection. Some of these phrases are exactly what she needs to hear from me.
Hey Jennifer! I am so glad it was an encouragement to you. I have a child that needs more reassurance and connection as well, and I try to say these to her all the more. She is so at peace when her little love tank is full. ❤
xo, Lauren