Five things you should tell your kid at least once a week

There are certain things that shape who we are and I firmly believe that positive affirmation and reinforcement are crucial to raising happy, self sufficient, hard working individuals.  Here are 5 things that I tell my children at least once a week, usually every day!

1. I love you.  Children need to know that they are loved by actions and words.
2. You do ____ so well!  Positive Reinforcement of things they do well makes them want to do those good things even more.  Its incredibly powerful and one of my mom secret weapons.  
3. You are special to me and I am so glad I get to be your mom.  I think this one is right up there with being told I love you.  Especially as they get older and are getting to be more independent.  Knowing you are special to someone is crucial to self esteem.
4. You are perfect just they way you are!  I remember when I was about 8, my Grandmother got concerned about me eating too much and I got very upset with her (hello?? she made the food!!).  I was super skinny as a kid and teenager, but it planted a seed of doubt in myself.  I know as an adult that she meant well, she didn't want me to end up heavy like her, but as a child I couldn't comprehend her hidden well intentions.  In a world obsessed with bodily perfection it is so important that all of my children like themselves just the way they are and that they develop healthy eating and exercise habits.
5. What are you interested in/reading/favorite __?  Even though there are times when if I here another thing about Pokemon I may gorge my eyeballs out, I know that if I don't take an interest in their interests and likes now, they won't feel comfortable talking to me when they are having trouble with a friend at school or thinking about kissing a boy for the first time.  While I truly believe you shouldn't be your kids friend, you should be their parent, it is so important that you can talk like friends about anything.  

 I often think about what it will be like when they are older, especially as our conversations get deeper and more grown up.  What an awesome responsibility and geez there are so many things to remember to teach and instill in them.  Happy Parenting!!