Children are experts at catching every grumble that passes our lips—especially when it’s about picking up socks.
But sometimes, the kindest thing we can give them isn’t a new toy or five more minutes on the tablet. It’s words.
Uplifting, confidence-boosting words, spoken when it matters most (and sometimes when you’re elbow-deep in laundry).Words aren’t magic, but they’re close.
Here are 55 phrases that can help shape the way your child sees themselves—and you.
1. You Make Me Proud
No need for gold medals; seeing your child try their best and letting them know you noticed can do wonders for their motivation. Swap out the usual “good job” for “you make me proud,” and watch their little chest puff out.
2. I Love Spending Time With You
Kids crave undivided attention—even if it’s just during a car ride to the shops. Telling them you enjoy their company reminds them they’re liked, not just loved.
3. That Was a Clever Idea
Creativity thrives where it’s noticed. Calling out a smart suggestion, even if it involves putting jam on pasta (kids’ palates are wild), helps them take risks and think outside the box.
4. I Trust You
Handing over trust tells your child they’re capable and reliable. Yes, even if the last time you left them with the glue stick things got…sticky.
5. You Worked Hard on That
Praising effort lights up the same reward pathways in the brain as praising results—sometimes even more so. Focusing on how hard they tried, not just the finished product, fosters resilience.
6. I See You Tried Something New
Trying new things can be scary. Letting your child know you noticed their courage helps them build a habit of curiosity, not fear.
7. I’m Listening
Between work calls and “just one more episode,” it’s easy to tune kids out. Pausing, making eye contact, and saying “I’m listening” tells them their words matter. (They notice this stuff.)
8. You’re a Good Friend
Pointing out kindness when it happens, rather than waiting for a school report or a birthday party, helps your child value relationships and empathy.
9. It’s Okay to Make Mistakes
Mistakes are proof your child is trying. Normalising slip-ups takes away the sting and sets them up to bounce back, instead of freeze up.
10. I Believe in You
Self-doubt starts early. Hearing that you believe in their abilities—even when they can’t quite believe it themselves—can tip the balance in their favour.
11. You Made Someone Smile
Point out when your child’s actions have a positive ripple effect. It teaches them the power of kindness, whether it’s sharing crayons or telling a silly joke.
12. You’re Growing Up So Well
Kids are constantly changing—even if you wish they’d stop outgrowing their shoes. Noticing their growth, in any sense, makes them feel seen.
13. Your Feelings Are Important
Emotions can be big and scary, especially when you’re five. Saying this phrase helps them accept their feelings, rather than shove them away.
14. I’m Here for You
Your child needs a safety net, even if they don’t say it aloud. Remind them you’re their biggest supporter, through scraped knees and friendship squabbles.
15. That Was Brave
Courage isn’t just about facing monsters or spiders. Sometimes it’s speaking up in class or apologising to a mate. Celebrate those moments.
16. Thank You for Helping
Gratitude goes both ways. When your child helps—even if it’s just setting the table—showing thanks encourages them to keep pitching in.
17. You Have a Big Heart
Remind your child their kindness is noticed, especially in a world that sometimes seems to reward the loudest voice.
18. I Love How You Think
Every child’s brain works a little differently. Telling them you appreciate their quirks encourages them to be proud of their unique selves.
19. You’re Fun to Be Around
Who doesn’t want to feel like the life of the party? Even introverted kids light up at this affirmation.
20. Your Effort Pays Off
Help your child connect dots between hard work and results. This simple phrase builds grit, which psychologist Angela Duckworth says is a predictor of success.
21. You Make Good Choices
Catch them making positive decisions and say it out loud. Even small moments—choosing fruit over biscuits or sharing their snack—deserve a spotlight.
22. I Love Your Imagination
Imagination is more than drawing dragons; it’s how kids problem-solve. Letting them know you value their wild ideas keeps their creative engine running.
23. You’re Strong
Strength isn’t just muscles—sometimes it’s emotional or mental. Pointing out resilience helps them build a sense of inner strength.
24. You’re Getting Better Every Day
Growth can be slow and hard to spot. Call out even tiny improvements, whether it’s reading, riding a bike, or tying shoelaces.
25. I’m Grateful for You
Everyone wants to feel wanted. Tell your child that their presence adds something good to your day.
26. You’re a Great Helper
Even if some “help” adds to your chores (flour on the cat, anyone?), reinforcing helpfulness encourages more of the same.
27. That Was Thoughtful
Kids remember what gets noticed. When they act kindly or anticipate someone’s need, tell them.
28. I Notice Your Patience
Waiting is tough—for ice cream, for their turn, for anything. Acknowledging patience helps them build more of it.
29. You Can Always Tell Me the Truth
Building trust starts now. Assure your child that honesty is valued, even when it’s about the missing biscuits.
30. Your Laughter Is the Best Sound
Never underestimate the power of reminding your child you love their joy.
31. You’ve Got This
Sometimes all they need is a little nudge. This phrase says: “I believe you’re capable, even if you’re not sure yet.”
32. You Are Uniquely You
Comparisons are everywhere. Celebrate what makes your child different, rather than measuring them against others.
33. You’re Good at Solving Problems
Problem-solving is a skill for life. When your child works through a challenge, even with a little wobble, tell them you see their efforts.
34. You Know How to Make Things Better
Kids wield more power than they realise. Point out when they improve a situation—whether it’s calming a sibling or mending a toy.
35. I Love Learning With You
Whether you’re reading together or stumbling through long division, learn alongside your child and enjoy it with them.
36. That Was Really Responsible
Responsibility comes in many forms: feeding the dog, packing their bag, or remembering to flush. Celebrate each win.
37. You’ve Got a Great Sense of Humour
Even the cheesiest knock-knock joke deserves a smile. Encouraging their humour teaches resilience and lightness.
38. You Can Ask Me Anything
Leave the door open for questions—no topic too silly. This phrase gives permission for all the “why?”s.
39. You Make Me Happy
Yes, even when you’re hiding in the wardrobe for a moment’s peace, let your child know they bring you joy.
40. I’m So Glad You’re My Child
Unconditional acceptance: it’s what kids crave most.
41. Your Ideas Matter
Every suggestion, from “let’s eat dessert first” to “build a rocket ship,” is worthy of consideration.
42. You’re a Quick Learner
Kids don’t always see their own progress, especially when they’re struggling. Pointing out when they pick something up quickly gives them a confidence boost.
43. I Love Your Questions
Enthusiasm for their curiosity keeps the questions coming—and keeps them thinking critically.
44. You Are Enough
Sometimes, children need reassurance that who they are is just right.
45. You Have Great Insight
Maybe your child notices when someone’s sad in the playground or comes up with a clever solution for a sibling squabble. Recognize those moments.
46. Your Voice Is Valuable
Whether your child is shy or outspoken, hearing this can encourage them to speak up.
47. I’m Excited to Hear About Your Day
Show genuine interest in their world, from lunchroom tales to playground dramas.
48. You’re a Great Listener
It’s a skill even grownups struggle with, so celebrate it when you see it in your child.
49. You Inspire Me
Kids love to know they can teach us something, too. Let them be your role model now and then.
50. You’re Capable of Big Things
Set the bar high, and let your child know you see their potential.
51. You Did the Right Thing
When your child chooses the right path, especially when it’s hard, tell them.
52. You Don’t Have to Be Perfect
Perfectionism can creep in early. Emphasise that effort and integrity mean more.
53. I Respect Your Choices
Kids need a sense of autonomy as they grow. Respecting their decisions (within reason—pajamas to school might be a stretch) fosters independence.
54. You Teach Me New Things
Recognise that you’re learning together, whether it’s a TikTok dance or the names of every dinosaur.
55. I Love You, No Matter What
The ultimate safety net. No condition, no exceptions, even after the epic paint-on-the-walls incident.
How to Work These Phrases Into Everyday Life
Now for the challenge: squeezing these gems into the blur of school runs, nappy changes, and the ongoing mystery of missing socks.
Try picking one or two phrases and making them your “word of the week.” Stick a note on the fridge or keep a running tally in your head. See how your child’s mood shifts.
You’ll probably notice they’re not the only one standing a little taller.
Research from the University of California, Riverside found that positive affirmations shape long-term confidence, emotional intelligence, and even school outcomes.
No need to recite all 55 every morning—unless you want your child to roll their eyes so hard they see last week’s breakfast.
A little goes a long way. The words you share won’t fix every tantrum or sibling squabble, but they’ll help build your child’s inner voice—a voice that says, “I’m kind, I’m capable, I’m enough.”
And honestly, isn’t that what we want them to believe, long after they’ve outgrown our laps and moved on to greener (and hopefully laundry-free) pastures?
