WORDS That Empower Our Children

WORDS are powerful. At times, we can speak without thinking. A rushed moment, or we maybe tired from a long day of work, perhaps guilty of doing too many things at once or quite simply we’re grumpy. A reaction pops out. Or in my case ‘explodes’ out. Believe me ~ it happens to the best of us! Words can have long-lasting effects, especially on our children. A thoughtless word can shatter a child’s confidence, self-esteem and sense of worth. I’ve spent much of my adulthood, healing from the consequences of growing up with abusive and hurtful words. Some words have power beyond our years, beyond whatever changes we may make to ourselves and to our lives.

I made a conscious decision when my children were much younger to empower them in every way that I possibly could. I wished for my children to grow up healthy, loved, self-reliant and confident ~ in both themselves and their natural abilities. Words and actions have been the two platforms in which I’ve created effective empowerment.

I have become aware of words as I say them. Thinking before I speak. I always try to speak from a place of love. True power should not hurt anyone; it should help them to see their own greatness and potential. I am conscious of the effect my words have ~ our words resonate within the very core of our children. Our words act as barometer, for how our children will speak to others and how they expect to be treated in return.

These are some of our WORDS that we use within our home to encourage, empower and reassure our children ……..

1. I LOVE you
2. You are beautiful
3. Be YOU
4. Expect great things
5. Find your UNIQUE gift & share it
6. BREATHE
7. Relax
8. What was your favourite thing today
9. I TRUST you
10. You are my teacher
11. You don’t have to be good at everything
12. You are KIND
13. Live from heart
14. Always stand in truth
15. I BELIEVE in you
16. Dance to the beat of your own drum
17. Trust your INTUITION
18. I am so proud of you
19. You are MAGNIFICENT
20. Do what makes you happy
21. I’m listening
22. Mistakes are lessons
23. Let’s read
24. It’s ok to say NO
25. You are my SUNSHINE

It is a JOY, a privilege and a huge responsibility to parent a child. We don’t always get it right, but each day we have a new chance in shaping the lives of our children, their confidence and their self-esteem. There is still a place for words of discipline and disapproval of poor behaviour, but finding the right words to address the action is more appropriate than labelling or hurting a child.

Our words and conversations with our children create our reality, our future and our relationships. Remember ‘our voice becomes their inner voice’.

Check out Little Angels ~ a book I wrote with my three young daughters, offering a section of empowering messages & illustrations, designed to help curb fear and anxiety in other children. More information is available at www.sarahfiggins.com

With Love Sarah xx