As your child grows up, they will need to start doing things for themselves. They may even be naturally curious to have a go. While they do, you will see them become more independent and confident. To help your child along this journey there are a number of things that you can do. Start by motivating them with words of encouragement before giving them ample opportunity to practice for themselves. To help you with this, we have some guidance from an independent girls’ school in Hertfordshire below on child encouragement.
Words Of Child Encouragement
The words used to encourage children actually aren’t that different to what you might say to an adult. You may just have to alter how you say it slightly, depending on their age.
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Words play an important role in motivating children. To encourage them to try something new, communicate your support and faith in them. It will help them to also have faith and become optimistic. Just don’t talk down to them, or patronise them. Instead, talk to them on your level.
Praise
Praise is just as important. When learning to do something for the first time, chances are, you’re bound to make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of learning and should be looked at positively. Instead of pointing out every single criticism, look for what went well and focus on that. It will help them to feel as though they’ve accomplished something, want to continue, and learn how to improve.
Demonstrate Your Independence
An independent role model is needed for raising an independent child as children look up to those around them. Showing your child that you want to learn and do things for yourself can help them to adopt a similar attitude.
For example, you could get them to decide the clothes they want to wear that day. What they would like to eat for lunch/dinner (perhaps from a couple of options you have chosen to make it easier on you). Would they like to wear boots, or shoes. Perhaps you could even ask them what they would like to do that day – go for a swim, a bike ride, or to play in the garden, for example. By giving them options you are giving them a taste for independence, making their own decisions and taking control of their life in some small way.
Real Life Play Options
Today you can find miniature children’s versions of almost anything. You can toy with the idea of cleaning and familiarise your child with how it’s done through toys such as toy hoovers and kitchen sets. They are a great place to start and can even be quite fun for them to play with too.
Or perhaps you could involve them while making their dinner, lunch, or even a bit of baking. Getting them involved not only teaches them how to do these tasks, it will likely make them more interested in what they’re eating. You could even start your own little vegetable patch to work on together. Being able to watch their food grown from a tiny seed, to what’s on their plate.
Get them involved as much as you can in real life tasks. Allow them to do it for themselves (as long as it’s not dangerous of course). Even if they do it wrong, or make a mess, it’s all part of learning and growing.
Problem Solving
Knowing how to problem solve can save you in virtually any situation. There will come times in your child’s life where they don’t know the answer. Or how to deal with difficult situations where they’ll need to use their creativity and thinking skills. To practice this, you can play riddle-like games, puzzles, and brainstorming activities together.
20 Positive Things To Say To Promote Child Encouragement
- Love you
- Everyone makes mistakes
- You make me smile
- Thinking of you
- It’s OK to fail
- Keep going
- Trust your instincts
- You can say no
- Be kind
- You make a difference
- You are a good friend
- Ask for help
- You can change your mind
- Learn from your mistakes
- You are important
- What you do matters
- You make a difference
- Thank you for helping me
- I’m listening
- I’m proud of you
Waiting For The Right Moment
Picking the right moment is key when changing your child’s routine. Children thrive from structure and any disruptions or sudden changes can affect them by creating stress. If you’re looking to make any such changes, it’s probably best to do so at a time where there is little else going on and when your child feels ready.
Making Time
One way to help with child encouragement is to allow them to make mistakes. It’s unlikely your child will be able to pick something up instantly. They may take time and need your guidance. Being patient in these situations can help them to learn, not feel pressured and even enjoy what it is that they are learning.
Doing anything other on the other hand can lead to rejection and an unwillingness to try again. If the activity that you’re trying to teach your child is brushing their own hair for example, you may want to wake them up a little earlier so that they can do so at their own pace.
Comparison
Comparison is the thief of happiness and comparing your child’s development to anyone else’s can affect their confidence and in turn stop them from becoming independent. Remember that children have their own timeline and that’s okay.
Setbacks Are OK!
Even though your child may have come on leaps and bounds in their development and be able to do things for themselves, you may find that from time to time they still want you to do things for them. This can sometimes be due to stress that they’re feeling and be a non-verbal sign that there’s something wrong. In this case you should offer help and speak to your child to see what it is.
What tips would you use to help with child encouragement?
FAQ’s
What To Say To Encourage Your Kids?
There are many positive things you can say to your children to encourage them –
- You got this
- Have a great day
- Keep on trying
- I’m so proud of you
- Don’t give up
- I love you
- Keep going
How Do You Inspire Children To Learn?
There are a few ways you can try to inspire your children to learn, and to enjoy doing so –
- Make learning fun
- Encourage learning
- Create a reward system
- Study together
- Offer life lessons – get them involved in every day tasks
- Be patient
- Set achievable goals
- Find out what they’re interested in
- If they love nature – take them outside to learn…etc
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