Do you know Monday, January 26th, is known as Blue Monday?  It's considered by some to be the most depressing day of the year. This is the day when the credit card bills come due from Christmas, the weather is cold, etc.  This week I'm thinking about encouragement.  I found the following ways to encourage your teens.  Although they won't tell you, they are seeking your approval and encouragement.

Words of Encouragement and Praise

Children thrive on positive attention. Children need to feel loved and appreciated. Most parents find that it is easier to provide negative feedback rather than positive feedback. By selecting and using some of the phrases below on a daily basis with your child, you will find that he will start paying more attention to you and will try harder to please.

Yes    Good    Fine    Very good    Very fine    Excellent Marvelous   At-a-boy Right

That’s right    Correct    Wonderful    I like the way you do that    I’m pleased with (proud of ) you

That’s good    Wow    Oh boy   Very nice    Good work    Great going    Good for you    That’s the way

Much better       O.K.    You’re doing better    That’s perfect Good idea    What a cleaver idea

That’s it    Good job    Great job controlling yourself    I like the way you ______

I noticed that you ____      Keep it up    I had fun ______ with you

You are improving at ______ more and more    You showed a lot of responsibility when you ______

Way to go    I appreciate the way you ______    You are great at that    You’re the best

Good remembering    That’s beautiful    I like your______

I like the way you ______ with out having to be asked (reminded)

I’m sure glad you are my son/daughter    Now you've got it    I love you

You can SHOW them how you feel as well as tell them:

Smile    Nod    Part on shoulder, head, knee Wink

Signal or gesture to signify approval    High five    Touch cheek

Tickle    Laugh (with, not at)    Pat on the back    Hug

One Final Touch

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule, he learns to be shy.
If a child lives with fear, he learns to be apprehensive.
If a child lives with shame, he learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance, he learns to be patient.
If a child lives with encouragement he learns to be confident.
If a child lives with acceptance, he learns to love.
If a child lives with recognition, he learns it is good to have a goal.
If a child lives with honesty he learns what truth is.
If a child lives with fairness, he learns justice.
If a child lives with security, he learns to have faith in himself and those about him.
If a child lives with friendliness, he learns the world is a nice place in which to live to love and be loved.
(Anonymous)

Read more: http://childdevelopmentinfo.com/how-to-be-a-parent/communication/#ixzz3PrcYK66S
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