Say Something Nice Day just got a big boost. The September issue of Home Life Magazine has a short but wonderful article on Ways to help children develop a stronger self-image, “18 Phrases to Build Up Your Child.” The author Michelle Medlock Adams does a great job of listing some important statements to use. “I believe in you. You’re fun to be with.” It is always important to be honest in what we say, but that doesn’t mean that we are to tear our children down in the name of honesty. I learned this the hard way after my son was grown. He told me,” Dad, you never told me that I did a great job cleaning my room. You always said, ‘It looks better. You’re getting there.’ You never said, Son, you did a great job!” I almost wept. My intentions were so good, but I missed the boat. I passed on to my son what my dad passed on to me. The very best I could ever get was, “It’ll do.” Let’s change the verbiage. There are countless opportunities for correction, but remember it is the behavior we want to improve. The article on the opposite by Gary Oliver offers some good advice on how to talk to your child.
