In Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte spins webs with words like “some pig” and “terrific” to describe Wilbur, who really isn’t “some pig” or “terrific.” But because Charlotte believes in him, Wilbur begins to believe in himself.
I remember when I was young, I overheard my dad tell someone what a good reader I was. I knew I liked to read, but I didn’t know I was good at it, until that day. In college, a professor told me I was one of the best speakers in our class. So I switched my minor to speech communication.
We believe what others say about us, good or bad. As moms, don’t we want our children to hear words that bless them?
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” Proverbs 25:11
Here are some words of encouragement your boys would love to hear from you today:
- You are such a good big brother!
- You take good care of your dog.
- You have really grown into a good reader this year.
- I really appreciate when you take out the trash.
- You are a very talented drummer.
- Geometry is hard, but we’re so proud of how you’ve stuck with it and learned so much.
- Thank you for helping out more around the house when I was sick.
- That is your best drawing yet!
- We know we can trust you with this cell phone, because you’ve shown us how responsible you are.
- You are awesome!
Compliment their character. Encourage their skills and talents. Praise them for their helpfulness. Speak words of encouragement to them and see them become who you say they can be!
Wonderful post. It’s so easy (especially when we have awesome sons) to take for granted how great they are drawing attention to them mostly when they misbehave. It’s funny because I just saw this post right after walking away from my son telling him “you’re awesome!” He parrots it right back to me which always makes me feel good and puts a smile on my face. If it makes us feel good, imagine how it feels for them to hear it! Thank you for this reminder!!!
I’ve been trying to be more aware of the words I use with my boys lately. I want my words to give them life. They get enough negative from the world. Great post!
I was just thinking yesterday about the power of our words. What an honor to build someone up instead of tearing them down. Praying for the gift of encouragement today!
This is always my prayer…that’ll I’ll overwhelm my sons with words of encouragement rather than ovewhelm them with criticism. Sadly, I find it challenging at times, but God is working on my heart, for sure!!!
What a great reminder! It is so easy as a Mom to get into a correction and direction mode, because we want to “encourage” our children to be better, or change a behavior. I SO often forget that I can encourage best by pointing out the good qualities and traits.
Such a great post! Thank you. I love this topic, and try hard to nail it, but those negatives can slip in so easily…thank you for the reminder!
Such a great reminder of the power of our words, Sandra! Thank you for helping me remember how much they need to hear those words of affirmation from me.
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I really like your MOB Blog! I came across your blog/website via another blog by Lisa-Jo Baker. I have two young boys aged 2.5 yrs & 3 months. I would love to receive your MOB blog via email but could not figure it out from my mobile device as the non-mobile website would not load. Your assistance is appreciated. Thank you!
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Nevermind. I just got an email to follow. Can’t wait!T Thanks!
sasha seward´s last [type] ..The Littlest Souls
I love all these encouraging words. With “you are awesome” as the exception. I think this word, awesome, is overused in our society, and when we stop and think about what this word really means, we realize that it’s so much more. To me, only God is awesome. To me, awesome means we stand in awe of him, we revere him. We fear him. Only God deserves such a word. How great and awesome is the Lord Most High!
Just my two cents.
I just needed this reminder so much this week. Got so negative and just burried myself and the boys into a rut. uuuhhhgg! After I read this, I prayed and asked God to keep building in me words of encouragement for my boys.
Thank you!