The words you use with children are very important.
The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21
While kids learn mostly by our actions, our words also play a huge part in children's spiritual and personal formation.
The words you speak to children will last long after you are gone and in heaven. The words of encouragement and empowerment you speak to them will continue to echo in their heart for the rest of their life.
Think about your experience growing up. To this day, you can remember words that were spoken to you as a child. You can remember both positive and negative words.
Your words will become their internal dialogue even after they are adults.
What does it mean to speak life? Speaking life means that you are speaking love, growth and other positive words that a person needs.
A gentle tongue is a tree of life. (Proverbs 15:4)
Using our words wrongly can break the spirit of a child (death).
Here are some examples of words you can speak to a child that can change their life and give them the confidence they need for the rest of their life.
I believe in you.
God has a special plan for your life.
I am so proud of you.
You got this.
God loves you and so do we.
Learn from your mistakes.
Be you. God wants to work through your life, not you trying to be a second-rate version of someone else. There is only one you in the world, so be yourself.
You matter.
You are strong in the Lord! (Ephesians 6:10)
You make me smile.
You are loved – no matter what. There is nothing you can do that will change that. (Romans 5:8)
God is working in your life.
You are a gift from God.
I always look forward to spending time with you.
There is only one you in the world, so be yourself.
You are a gift from God. (James 1:17)
You are strong because God gives you strength. (Ephesians 6:10)
I’m thankful for you.
You are worth it.
You can be a difference maker.
I will never leave you. I will always be there for you.
You were created by God to do great things. He made you in such a way that you are equipped with everything you need to be amazing. (Ephesians 2:10)
The words we speak to children have a role in determining their confidence, abilities, happiness and well-being. Show kids you believe in them by using words of encouragement on a daily basis.
Kids will become what you tell them they will be.