Positive Communication:
Encouraging Children

Children learn from their parent's words and actions. Through communication, parents teach their children skills such as cleaning up after themselves, riding a bike, and being good students. They also teach pride and confidence that can last a lifetime.

What do you say to your children when you want to boost self-esteem?

PCA Louisiana looked at over 600 surveys from Louisiana parents. Read on to see how they answered.

A Few Tips:

• Clap your hands when they do something that makes you proud.
• Let them know you notice good things they do.
• Tell them they are special. Everyday.
• Tell them you love them.
• Give lots of hugs and kisses.
• Reward them with praise when they try their hardest.
• Let them know when you catch them being good.
• Be a good example. Teach them to laugh and take things in stride.
• Focus on their good points.
• Find something they are good at and let them do it often.
• Stick with your rules and be fair.
• Give them more love than you think you can! Be patient.
• Teach them to respect themselves.
• Never tell a child they are a bad kid even though they may do bad things. The behavior may be bad, but the child is not.
• Take them on a "date" so that they feel loved and important.
• Tell them often that you are thankful that they are your child.
• Pay attention to them and what they have to say.
• Brag about things they've done well when they can hear you.
• Do things that make you feel good about yourself as a parent.
• Encourage them to do things they enjoy.