10 Things You Should Never Say to Your Kids

1. Why can't you be more like your brother or sister.
2. You can't do anything right.
3. What's wrong with you!
4. You're hopeless.
5. I wish you were a boy.
6. I wish you were a girl. 
7. We really wanted a boy.
8. We really wanted a girl. 
9. You're such a disappointment. 
10. She or he is my favorite.

As parents, our expectations for our children should be realistic and reasonable. We need to be aware of their likes, needs, and natural bent.

If we place unreasonable expectations on our children and they do not meet those expectations, we end up criticizing our children. We say things that break their spirits causing them to feel hopeless and defeated.

We should make every effort to affirm our children's accomplishments; small and big. God has given our children gifts, talents, and abilities. Find out what they are and lean into that with grace and wisdom.

Never should our affirmation be hypocritical or exaggerated, but honest and sincere. Our children are wise and discerning. They pick up on our manipulation and control.

Mothers may have to take inventory and loosen their grip on raising "safe" children. "Safe" children can feel hopeless, too.

I remember burning all Disney books, videos, and other materials in an effort to keep my children in a safe and controlled atmosphere, but it only caused them to weaken in some areas.

I don't want safe kids. I want strong kids.

Are you criticizing or affirming your children?

Excellent Resource:

Grace-Based Parenting


Psalm 139:14

You are fearfully and wonderfully made....