As students and teachers return to school, the unknown factors of a new school year can cause all kinds of mixed emotions, from excitement to anxiety. If there is one factor that will determine your child’s success, it’s encouragement. Encouragement is oxygen for our souls. Who doesn’t need or want encouragement? As we seek to encourage our kids, remember that our words can create clarity and confidence or cause confusion.  

I ran across a hilarious book recently called “Anguished English.” It talks about the misplacement of words in our everyday life. For example, here are some notes parents sent to their child’s teachers;  

My son is under his doctor’s care today and should not take P.E. Please EXECUTE him. Here’s another one: Please excuse John from yesterday’s absence. He was sick, and I had him shot.

Let’s ensure the encouragement we give our kids as they begin the new school year is specific, creative and genuine.  

I love the quote from William Arthur Ward: “Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you.”

Out of all the teachers and coaches I had throughout my academic journey, it was the ones who went out of their way to encourage me that I have never forgotten and impacted my life the most. 

Our words have the power and potential to build up or tear down. Our words also have the power and potential to determine the success and failure of our relationships as well. Leadership expert John Maxwell says, “Encouragement is the glue that holds relationships together.”

I have never met a child, student or adult who didn’t need to be encouraged. The dictionary defines encouragement like this: to urge forward and positively persuade toward a goal; to inspire with courage, spirit, or hope; to stimulate.

The truth is, we all need to be encouraged. If encouragement is oxygen to our souls and the glue that holds relationships together, why do many of us have difficulty encouraging others, especially our kids?  

Two Roadblocks That Keep Us From Giving Encouragement

•Insecurity Factor

Keyword: Intimacy

Encouraging others is difficult or uncomfortable for some of us because it puts us in an intimate space. It’s putting ourselves out on a limb, which can make us feel awkward or insecure.  

•Inability Factor

Keyword: Anger

Some of us have unresolved anger, and the negative words that come from our mouths reflect that anger. 

As a parent, what roadblock do you have to deal with so you can be freed up to be your best and give your best to your child? Remember, your kids take their cue from you! 

Two Major Benefits of Giving Encouragement to Your Kids

•Change

When we see our children’s potential and speak words of affirmation and encouragement into their life, change and growth will follow.  

•Confidence

As change and growth begin, it gives our kids confidence and builds momentum in their lives. 

The five most important words parents can say to their kids are: You did a great job!

As your kids start the new school year, don’t allow the roadblocks of insecurity or inability to rob you of being a “voice” of encouragement to your kids. Feed them encouragement and watch them thrive. Remember, when we encourage others, we will be encouraged. That’s called the law of sowing and reaping. During a time when kids are under so much pressure, deal with negative influences, and hear so many voices of confusion and contradiction, let’s commit to being the biggest cheerleaders and encouragers we can be for our kids! Remember, it takes courage to give enCOURAGEment. 
Rodney Gage is a family mentor, author, speaker and the founding pastor of ReThink Life Church, which meets at Lake Nona High School. His passion is to help families win at home and in life. To learn more about his family mentoring, or how you can get a copy of this new book called Why Your Kids Do What They Do, check out thewinningfamily.com and rethinklife.com