I recently started saying a phrase to my toddler more often because I noticed how it made him feel when I said it. My 3-year-old son is a helper and a doer. He loves to work hard while also making people smile.
The other night I was pushing his sister in the stroller when he ran ahead of us to grab the door and hold it open for us. I thanked him by saying to him: “You’re so strong.”
I saw him instantly light up with pride. Since then he has sought out even more opportunities to show off his strength, and I continue to let him know how much I appreciate his help with this simple phrase.
He has even started saying it out loud about himself. After he completes a task I’ll hear him say, “I am so strong.”
I am loving how this simple phrase is building confidence in my son! What’s something you say to your child often that makes them light up?