21 Positive Phrases Dads Can Say to Their Kids

* Post originally published on www.connecteddads.ca and www.dadcentral.ca

If you’re a dad who wants to help raise confident and successful kids, it starts with speaking positively to them on a daily basis.

Why? Because a father’s words are powerful. In fact, they have the ability to change the trajectory of children’s lives – for good or bad. Every parent, moms included, can positively affirm and encourage their children. It’s just that dads may not realize how important their positive words are to their kids.

I share this short post to help dads speak positively into their kids’ lives. It also serves as a reminder for myself. Dealing with everyday struggles of parenting during a pandemic can make it hard to see what’s good. And I’ve certainly had some frustrating days when I could have used a list like this. So let’s work at this together, and say these phrases as often as we can to our kids. If we make it a habit, I know it will make a difference for your (and my) kids.

21 Positive Phrases Dads Can Say to Their Kids:

1. I love you. (You can never tell them this enough.)

2. I appreciate you.

3. You can do it. I believe in you.

4. I love how you care about others.

5. I’m proud of you and of who you are.

6. Being your dad is my favorite job in the world.

7. You are enough just as you are.

8. You are fun to have around.

9. You are excellent at ________.

10. You have so many talents.

11. You are beautiful/handsome.

12. You have courage.

13. Even when we don’t agree, I am always on your side

14. You are getting so big/old/independent

15. I can tell that you have been working hard. Keep that up and you’ll reach all your goals!

16. You are a good friend.

17. You have really great ideas.

18. You are a gift to our family.

19. You are a great kid. It’s a privilege to be your dad.

20. You make a positive difference wherever you go.

21. You have what it takes to be successful in life.

I created a poster listing these 21 phrases that you can download here.

Which one will you use first? And what is missing? Share the positive words/phrases you use with your kids and help add to this list!

About Drew Soleyn & Connected Dads

I’m the Founder of Connected Dads, Director of Dad Central Ontario, and a Career Coach at the Queen's Smith School of Business. As an ICF certified coach and John Maxwell Team Coach, Trainer & Speaker, I help struggling dads show up at their best for the people who matter most.

I created Connected Dads because I believe the actions dads take in their family will shape the future. Because involved and healthy dads create healthier and happier kids, the major challenges society faces can be eliminated with involved, responsible and devoted dads.

The problem is many dads are burned out and not available (or choose not) to invest in their kids. They also have nowhere to turn for support. The results are a continued cycle of 'fatherless' kids in our society.

But I also know what it feels like to be stretched thin all the time. That’s why Connected Dads exists: to bring dads together and build leadership capacity, productivity, and resilience in the face of unrelenting pressures. Ultimately, our system helps men win at home and in the rest of their lives, while tackling the larger societal challenge of fatherlessness.

Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Book a coaching call, sign up for an accelerator group or join our free private Facebook group

Step 2: Connect with other dads on the journey, build resilience and transform your leadership capacity

Step 3: Show up at your best for the people who matter most

Our coaching, small group program and community strengthens and supports dads on the journey. Based on the proven methodology of John C. Maxwell (#1 New York Times bestselling author, named most influential leadership expert in the world by Business Insider and Inc. Magazine) our process immediately gives dads the tools and systems to thrive. Inside you’ll find a community that encourages, supports, and challenges you to become the dad you wished you had.

Every day, I see dads trade pain for purpose. Join us today so you can stop struggling and start connecting.

• Book a free 30 minute coaching call by visiting the Connected Dads website.
• Join the Connected Dads community on Facebook.
• Follow Connected Dads on Instagram.