Words have power especially on children which will sponge up all the information around them. If a child hears they are worthless it is likely they will grow up and accomplish nothing. When a child hears they can conquer the world then it is likely they will do just that.

To make sure you are filling the sponge in your home with strong building blocks for the future use these ideas:

1. Tell others about the child’s accomplishments. Stay focused on the good things that he does. Let the child hear your praises.

2. Compliment the child on a job well done. It doesn’t have to have been the best over everyone else as long as it is HER best. She needs and wants to hear that you are proud of her accomplishments – no matter how minor those accomplishments may appear.

3. Avoid words that condemn a child’s personality traits even if you are just playing around. Your child will remember what you said about him and may even start to repeat it about himself. If you want to play around then get out a board game.

4. Keep comparisons to the very minimum (or take them out of the equation completely). The only person that the child is competing against is himself. Remind him that he is getting better than last time.

5. Help her see her own potential. Tell her the things that you see she is good at or personal traits where she is strong (“You are so good at organizing your toys” or “You are very good at helping me watch your brother”). Finding encouragement in one place will help her stretch out in others.

Raising up a child to be successful requires building blocks of positive attitude and motivation. Speak words of encouragement to them and about them and your children will reach for the stars.