Have you ever heard your child say, “I can’t do it” or “This is too hard”? We’ve all been there. As parents, it can be frustrating when our children doubt themselves. However, there are ways we can encourage a positive “I can” attitude in them and below are eight phrases you could try.
“I love how hard you’re trying!”
Sometimes, children get discouraged when they don’t achieve something immediately. This phrase emphasizes the value of effort and perseverance, regardless of the final result. It shows your child that their dedication is what matters most.
Imagine your child struggling with a new puzzle. Instead of focusing on completing it quickly, you can say, “I love how hard you’re trying! You’re getting closer with every piece you put in the right spot.” This approach builds confidence and encourages them to keep trying, even when things get tough.
“Look how far you’ve come! You can do even more!”
Many children get hung up on achieving perfection. This phrase highlights the progress they’ve already made, reminding them of their capabilities and motivating them to keep growing.
For example, if your child is practicing a new skill like playing the piano, you might say, “Look how far you’ve come! You can already play that whole song with both hands. You can do even more by practicing those tricky scales!” This approach celebrates their achievements while gently encouraging them to take on new challenges.
“What do you think you can do to solve this?”
This phrase gives our child ownership of the problem-solving process. It encourages them to think critically and come up with their own solutions.
Imagine your child is building a block tower and gets frustrated when it keeps collapsing. Instead of swooping in with the “right” way, you can ask, “What do you think you can do to solve this? Maybe the blocks need to be stacked differently at the bottom?” By asking this question, you empower your child to experiment, learn from their mistakes, and ultimately feel proud of their accomplishment.
“Let’s take this one step at a time.”
Sometimes, big tasks can feel overwhelming for children. This phrase helps them break down the challenge into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if your child is working on a long school project, you can say, “This project looks like a lot, but let’s take it one step at a time. What’s the first thing you need to do?” This approach reduces anxiety and makes the task seem less daunting.
“I know you can do it!”
A simple yet powerful phrase that expresses your unwavering belief in your child’s capabilities. It fosters confidence and encourages them to persevere even when faced with difficulties.
For example, if your child is nervous about trying out for a play, you can say, “I know you can do it! You’ve been practicing so hard, and I believe in you.” This kind of encouragement can make a world of difference in their outlook.
“It’s okay to make mistakes! That’s how we learn.”
Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. This phrase helps children develop a growth mindset, understanding that setbacks are opportunities to improve. For example, if your child gets a question wrong on their homework, you can say, “It’s okay to make mistakes! That’s how we learn. Let’s see if we can figure out the answer together.” This approach removes the sting of failure and encourages a focus on learning and growth.
“Let’s see what we can learn from this!”
This builds on the idea of mistakes as learning opportunities. It encourages curiosity and exploration after encountering a setback. This approach fosters a problem-solving mindset and makes mistakes feel less like failures and more like stepping stones to success.
“Why don’t you ask for help?”
Collaboration is a valuable life skill. This phrase encourages your child to seek help from others when needed, fostering teamwork and problem-solving skills. For example, if your child is stuck on a puzzle, you can say, “Why don’t you ask your brother for help? Maybe he has a fresh perspective.” This approach teaches them the importance of teamwork and shows them that it’s okay to ask for assistance.
These powerful phrases can make a world of difference in your child’s confidence and approach to challenges. Remember, your words have the power to inspire and empower. By using these phrases consistently, you can help your child develop a growth mindset and a strong “I can” attitude.
