36 Things Every Parent Needs to Tell Their Kids

Here is a list of  36 things every parent should say to their kid, preferably more than once. Each of these words and phrases may be simple in structure, but can be substantial when received by your kids.

1. I love you

This one is pretty self explanatory, but needs to be said. And, it can never be said too much.

2. How was your day?

Take interest in what’s going on in their daily lives and let them tell you about it. Sometimes it tends to go on and on and on, but enjoy it while those days last. Before you know it your kids will be teens and this question will evoke an answer of “fine”.

3. I’m sorry

Let your kids know that you are also sometimes to blame. Being comfortable saying you are sorry is something everyone needs to learn how to do.

4. You win!

Congratulate them when they win and let them know how good it feels to be a winner.

5. I win!

Don’t let them win all the time. Show them the value of competition and that winning something is not easy and not something to take for granted.

6. Please

Common sense and good manners, but some kids don’t use this word enough.

7. Need help with your homework?

Some kids may not want to, or feel comfortable with asking for your help with their homework. Let them know you are there for them if they need you.

8. Do you want to go with me?

Kids love to go random places with their parents. Next time you head out the door, ask if they want to come with you. Usually they will.

9. I missed you

It’s important to let them know you were thinking about them even if you weren’t with them at the moment.

10. Text me when you get there

Let your kid know that you want to know when they’ve arrived safely. It teaches responsibility and allows them an easy way to reach back (via text) to relax your nerves.

11. Good job!

This is another no-brainer but extremely important in reinforcing good work by your kid. Who gets tired of hearing this one? NOBODY

12. You’re so smart

This one boosts your kids confidence and let’s them know they do offer something valuable. Let them know they are intelligent and they go into class, or any situation, with that feeling of “I can do this”.

13. It’s your choice

Make sure you invite your kids to make decisions. If you make the decisions all the time, they won’t figure out what it’s like to make a bad decision or the ramifications of what they choose.

14. How are your friends?

Take interest in their circles. You need to stay abreast of who their friends are and what they are all about. If my daughter starts hanging around with guys in black trench coats, I wanna know about it.

15. Keep trying, you’ll get it

Teach them perseverance. When they accomplish something, it will make it all the more sweeter.

16. Turn off the TV

Sometimes you need to step in and tell them to cut the TV off. Don’t let them sit there and vegetate watching Honey Boo Boo nonsense.

17. It’s ok

Let them know it’s ok. It may seem simple, but it reinforces the fact that it’s ok to try knew things or it’s ok when something doesn’t go exactly right. This encourages exploration and let’s your kid know they can try without fear of consequences all the time.

18. Clean your room

It’s important to make them clean up around the house. Their room is (sort of) their domain, so make them own it and keep it up. This is something I’m still working on.

19. Want to go get some ice cream?

From time to time, spring a trip on them to get some ice cream. Who doesn’t love ice cream? And who doesn’t like a spontaneous and surprising trip to get some?

20. You need to take responsibility

Make sure they understand that they are responsible for their actions. They can’t just lean on their parents all the time.

21. Read your book

Let’s face it, kids aren’t reading as much today due to all the electronic distractions in their life. We, as parents, need to continue to reinforce the fact they need to read. It is fundamental after all.

22. Thank you

Again, common sense, but all too often forgotten about. Make sure they say “thank you”. It speaks volumes about your character.

23. Chew with your mouth closed

Really. Teach them early.

24. I trust you

Let them know you have faith in them. It will make them take ownership more quickly knowing you have their back.

25. You look nice today

Continue to boost their self esteem by letting them know they look nice. Even adults love to get compliments on their appearance. With kids, I don’t think they hear it enough.

26. Stop it

Put your foot down, especially in public. Don’t let your kids run rampant or act foolish. Put a stop to it, quickly and decisively.

27. Can you help me with this?

Engage your kids when trying to do something. Whether it’s putting together something for the house or just doing something for work, get them involved and watch how they soak it up.

28. Eat your vegetables

They don’t sell vegetables at McDonalds. Stop giving them crap to eat and start getting them to eat colorful food. Teach them young so they adopt a healthy lifestyle early.

29. Put the phone away

There are times where you need to step in and just tell them to put the phone away. It’s unacceptable for your tween/teen to just walk around nonstop pecking away on their phone.

30. You wanna play?

Kids love impromptu invitations to play. Out of the blue, surprise them and just ask them if they want to play. They will never turn you down and you’ll both get a lot out of it.

31. You worked so hard on that

Let them know they put in work to accomplish something. They may not realize the amount of effort they put in so make sure they understand hard work pays off.

32. No

I know. I know. But, some parents just don’t use this word with their kids. And when you DO use it, make sure you mean it.

33. That was so cool

Make sure you let your kids know when they do something cool. Your excitement is very rewarding for them and encourages them to do more of said cool thing.

34. Try it

Don’t be afraid to let your kids try things. Ok, maybe not jumping off the roof onto a trampoline, but within limits, let them explore. Creativity and imagination are stoked by the act of trying (TWEET THAT!)

35. Good night

Tell your kids “good night” every night. It let’s them know you are there for them when they close their eyes and drift off.

36. I’m proud of you

Your kids live for your admiration. Let them know when and how proud you are of them.

There you have it. Three dozen words and phrases that every parent should say to their kid, consistently. What would you add to the list? Do you disagree with anything on this list or the reason why it’s on the list?