Have you ever considered how powerful your words are to your kids? Our words shape how our kids think and act in a given situation. Encouraging words for kids is life-forming! I really learned the power of speaking life over my kids while at a water park of all places.
On a sunny day, my family and I ventured off to a new hotel with a really awesome pool area. It was basically a mini-water park. We spent a few days splashing around and basking in the sun. The cool water felt refreshing in contrast to the hot sun. But my favorite part was the much-needed quality time with my family.
I took the hand of my five-year-old daughter. Her blue eyes were filled with curiosity. She pointed upwards and asked if I would take her on the tall blue slide. With enthusiasm, we rushed up the stairs and reached the top. She bounced up and down with excitement as we got closer to the front of the line.
When the lifeguard signaled for her to approach the slide, she pulled back.
The look of fear replaced the joy in her eyes.
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I walked her to the entrance of the slide. She looked down the slope and then back at me. She placed one finger on her lip and declared that she would ride it later. So we walked down several flights of stairs and joined the rest of our family in the pool.
A few moments later, my sweet daughter signaled bravely towards the top of the slides. Hand in hand, we skipped up the steps again as we exchanged light conversation. Excitement rose within her voice. She imagined what it would be like to race down the blue slide. As we reached the top, fear overcame her like before. Once again, we walked back down the stairs.
This scenario played out a few more times. Frustration overtook me. I didn’t think she would ever take the plunge. I firmly told her we would not be attempting this water slide again. If she wasn’t able to do it by now, then it was time to move on.
In that very moment, the Holy Spirit spoke to me.
Speak life. Instead of telling her what she cannot do, tell her what she can do. Make it clear that she is strong enough to try something new. Tell her that you believe in her.
The Holy Spirit was reminding me how important it is to speak encouraging words to our kids. There is power in speaking life over them.
The Power of Speaking Life Over Our Kids
A few minutes later, my daughter tapped my arm. With timid eyes, she said, “I know you’ll probably say no, but I was wondering if we could try going on the blue slide again, Mommy.”
This time, I had a fresh perspective. I grabbed her hand and gave her a big smile. “Let’s go!” As we reached the top, the same dread came over her again. At the slide entrance, I asked her to sit down. We got this far only once before, and she quickly stood back up and walked away. This time as she sat, I began to speak encouraging words to her.
“I know you can do this! You are going to love it! You’ve got this! I believe in you! Just go for it! You are brave, and you can do this!”
She grasped the handles. I could tell she really wanted to go for it. Then, she quickly released her hands and wouldn’t budge. Again, I spoke life over her.
“You are strong and brave! I know you can do this! You are going to love it! Go for it! You’ve got this! I believe in you!”
God Used My Words To Transform Her Thinking!
In that moment, the timid look in her eyes vanished. A visible strength grew inside of her. She thrusted herself forward, released the handles, and went gushing down the curvy slide. I raced back to the steps where I could see her small body handling the twists and turns of the slide. I cheered loudly, jumping up and down. My sweet girl was doing it!
As she plunged down the slide, she never looked back. She said good-bye to fear as she shouted with glee. At the bottom, she stepped off the slide and gave me a big thumbs up. She stood a little taller. More confident.
Her huge smile shouted, “I’m an overcomer!”
How Encouraging Words Made All The Difference
For the rest of the day, my daughter beamed as she ran up the stairs all on her own. Ride after ride, she couldn’t get enough of the blue slide! She repeatedly told me, “I can’t believe I did it, Mommy!” She even laughed at herself for being scared of something that was so much fun. Her giggle touched me to the core.
She was experiencing freedom!
My precious girl had the courage to conquer her fear all along. She just simply needed a trusted voice to spur her on. To fill in the gaps where she lacked confidence.
That night just before drifting to sleep, she looked at me with her big blue eyes and said, “Mommy, I sure hope I don’t forget how much fun that blue slide is in the morning. Because I want to ride it all day again tomorrow.” I kissed her soft cheek and said, “You’ll remember, Baby.”
Encouraging Words for Kids: The Power of Speaking Life Over Them
Words are incredibly powerful. One of the greatest joys of parenting is being able to speak encouraging words to our kids. We have the privilege of speaking life over their thoughts, perspective, and situations. Our words have the power to completely transform the way our children see a particular situation, and even more so, what they believe about themselves.
Two Bible verses come to mind as I ponder this.
Your tongue has the power of life and death. ~Proverbs 18:21 (NIrV)
When you talk, do not say harmful things, but say what people need—words that will help others become stronger. Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you. ~Ephesians 4:29 (NCV)
Our words have power…life and death kind of power. God wants us to encourage one another. He wants us to use our words to speak life over others so they can become stronger. When we see someone struggling, our words can make all the difference. Think of that in terms of your own child.
Our kids really do listen to our words. What we say to them and how we say it impacts how they perceive themselves and the world around them.
Situations can seem overwhelming and scary to them. At times, they will lack the confidence it takes to stand bold. They will hear plenty of outside voices telling them they can’t do it, that they’re not good enough. You have the wonderful job, Momma, to be the positive voice in your child’s life every single day. Speak life.
It’s So Easy!
Here are 50 Encouraging Words You Can Use to Speak Life Over Your Kids
Perhaps, you’re here because you struggle with giving encouragement…it simply doesn’t come naturally for you. Or maybe you’re looking for fresh inspiration so you’re not saying the same phrases over and over again. Because let’s be real, we want our encouragement to come from our hearts and be meaningful to our kids.
I’ve got you covered.
To help you out, I compiled a list of 50 encouraging phrases you can say to your child. This free downloadable PDF is full of inspiration to help you speak life over your kids and to encourage them in an impactful way.
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