Conveying Warmth -- The Encouragement Approach, Part Three

The Encouragement Approach also involves using communications and phrases that show confidence:

“Knowing you, I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

“You’ll make it!”

“I have confidence in your judgment.”

“That’s a rough one, but I’m sure you’ll work it out.”

“You’ll figure it out.”

Encouragement also entails our focusing on the contributions that our children make and showing our appreciation through such statements as:

“Thanks, that helped a lot.”

“It was thoughtful of you to…”

“Thanks, I really appreciate _________ because it makes my job easier.”

“I need your help on…”

To a family group:  “I really enjoyed today.  Thanks.”

“You have skill in ___________.  Would you do that for the family?”

Next, we will learn some communications that recognize effort and improvement, as well as a word of caution about how and why we use the Encouragement Approach (log on Thursday, July 20, 2006).                  

(More can be learned about the Encouragement Approach in Parenting Skill-Building Programs like STEP – Systematic Training for Effective Parenting and Active Parenting. Click here to learn about these programs.)