Encouraging Words
Here's What To Do
1
With your child, and/or whole family, talk about ways to face a challenge, or something new.
2
Brainstorm encouraging words they could say or strategies (e.g. taking deep breaths) they could use to praise themselves and keep persisting.
3
Invite all family members to use the words and strategies when they’re facing a challenge, and to encourage each other. The more your child practices, the more likely they are to use the words when they need them.
Put PEER Into Action
P
Pause:
- Practice one of your child’s favorite calming strategies together.
E
Engage:
- “Sometimes it can be hard to start something new or keep trying with something that’s hard.”
- “What can we say to ourselves to help us keep trying? What can we do?”
E
Encourage:
- Use your child’s interests to suggest some encouraging words.
- For example, if they like superheroes, they might like to say, “I’m a superhero, I can do it!”
R
Reflect:
- “What do you like to tell yourself or hear from us when you want some encouragement?”
Not quite ready?
Come up with a simple phrase or encouraging strategy (e.g. a self-hug) that you can teach your child.
Ready for more?
Your child can think of encouraging words they can say to other family members.
As your child masters this skill...
They will express eagerness with their words or gestures when approaching new or challenging tasks.