Two Things Your Kids Can’t Hear You Say Often Enough

Our oldest daughters go to Boyce College, the undergrad of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. As such, they have the privilege of sitting under godly professors and reading fabulous books on a daily basis. When the girls are home on breaks, Randy and I love to pepper them with questions about all the good stuff they’re learning and to read some of their “textbooks.”

One such book that recently whizzed past my radar was 99 Thoughts for Parents of Teenagers by Walt Mueller. It’s a quick read—you can buzz through it in a few hours. Of the 99 thoughts, one really stuck out to me. Walt mentioned that there are two things your teens (and I would add younger kids, too) can’t ever hear you say too often. Can you guess what they are?

I love you.

I’m proud of you.

In a world that beats them down, can you imagine how important it is for your kids to know you’re in their corner? You’re their biggest fan? You love them more than any other people on the planet?

When they mess up and when they don’t, they still need to know you love them. (i.e.; You know I love you even though I don’t love how you just acted there.)

When they accomplish something, or when they show an area of spiritual growth, they need to know you’re proud of them. (i.e.; I know it was hard for you to do that. I’m proud of you for pushing yourself to do a hard thing; You didn’t blow your top but kept your cool in that situation—I’m proud of you.)

Children are like tender plants. They need much love and encouragement to grow and blossom. So how about encouraging them with those two things they can’t hear you say often enough.

I love you.

I’m proud of you.