What to say to your children so they can trust you

What we say to our children plays a big role in how they interpret emotions and circumstances, and impacts their reactions to them. Here are a few things parents can do to make a difference:

1. Use statements that encourage learning
   Telling a child that they have achieved a goal may give the impression that there is nothing new left to learn. However, including a ‘what next’ will keep children engaged and excited to learn.
2. Power of Yet!
   Using the word ‘yet’ makes them feel you believe in them and creates a pathway into the future. You are creating opportunity for them to overcome. For example, “I couldn’t do it”, “Yet you tried”
3. Supporting children with the process
   When children are stuck or faced with a problem, sit down and discuss what else can we do, or what solutions can we find.Say – I like the way you tried all kinds of strategies on that math problem until you finally got it
   Don’t say – Wow, you did great on that math problem – you’re smartSay – It was a long, hard assignment, but you stuck to it and got it done. That’s great!
   Don’t say – See, I told you that would be easy – you’re smart!