Janel Breitenstein has written an interesting list for all of us to consider. We all want to encourage our children.  Sometimes we just lack the words to do it.  Here are her suggestions.  I whole-heartedly agree with them.  Some are serious.  Some are just fun!  For example – # 9 is quite a gift we can give our children. 15, 18, and 24 really made me smile.

Enjoy!

Pastor John

A list for parents who want their children to know their love and God’s love.

by Janel Breitenstein

1. I’m proud of you. And even if you weren’t so      fantastic, I’d still be proud.
2. I believe you.
3. The way you _____ is such a perfect addition      for our family. God knew just what we needed when He gave us you.
4. I know you and I haven’t been seeing      eye-to-eye lately. But I want to let you know that I accept you whether I      agree with you or not, and I’m committed to working on our relationship so      we both feel understood and secure.
5. I can’t believe how _____ you are. I can’t      imagine the plans God has for you!
6. You know, you may not feel very _____, but God      knew exactly what He was doing when He made you the way He did, and it was      just how He wanted to express Himself. I love you just the way He made      you. And I wouldn’t have wanted Him to do it any differently.
7. No matter how royally you mess up, I’ll always      be glad you’re mine, I’ll forgive you, and I’ll love your socks off.
8. I saw how you _____. I’m so proud of you.
9. I forgive you. And I won’t bring this up      again, okay?
10. I want to hang out with just you tonight. What      do you want to do?
11. I remember when I _____. I felt so _____. I      don’t know if that’s like what you’re going through, but it was a tough      time for me.
12. I’m sorry. Will you please forgive me for      _____?
13. I got you this, just because.
14. Lately I’ve really seen you grow in the area      of _____, like when you _____.
15. Yes, there is food in the house.
16. I admire the way you _______. In fact, I could      learn a lot from you in that area.
17. That was a really wise choice.
18. No chores today.
19. I trust you.
20. You’re really growing into a young man/woman      of character. I can’t tell you how exciting that is!
21. Go ahead and sleep in tomorrow.
22. I had no idea you could do that! You impress      me.
23. What do you think?
24. I canceled your appointment with the dentist.
25. I love your dad/mom so much! He/she is so      _____.
26. I love being around you.
27. I’m so glad you’re home.
28. Thank you!
29. I love doing _____ with you.
30. You are one of the best gifts I’ve ever      gotten. I am so humbled God gave me you.
31. I feel so proud when I’m with you.
32. You handled that so well.
33. I made your favorite _____.
34. I’m trusting that God will take perfect care      of us. He’s always done it before! Can we pray together about this?
35. With God’s help, your dad/mom and I will      never, ever get a divorce.
36. That looks great on you.
37. If I were in your shoes, I would feel so      _____. Is that how you feel?
38. Would you turn your music up?
39. You are so well-disciplined in _____.
40. I sent you a big ol’ care package in the mail.
41. That was so courageous.
42. Do you feel like I’m understanding you?
43. If there were one thing you could change about      me as your mom/dad, what would it be?
44. You have some real gifts in the area of _____.
45. Let’s go to Grandma’s!
46. It is so cool to watch you grow up.
47. Just wanted to let you know I’m praying for      you.
48. I miss you, but I’m glad you’re having a good      time!
49. You make me so happy just by being you.
50. I love you so much.

This article originally appeared on MomLife Today, FamilyLife’s blog for moms at all stages of life and motherhood.