The power of positive words can have a major impact on the behavior of your child.  Just think about the times in which you have received positive feedback, you were encouraged to continue doing you best.  Your child will respond in the same way. Encouraging words such as, “I really like the way you helped clean up the family room after your friends were playing this afternoon,” or “I’m so proud of you, you are doing such a good job finishing your homework each day.”

“A major principle of positive discipline is giving more attention to behavior that pleases and less attention to that which does not. Children crave attention. Parental approval is a powerful force. Being noticed is rewarding. Some children are only noticed when they are causing problems. These children need to be “caught being good.”  Catching your children being good is a key to reinforcing positive behavior.  Give your child a hug and tell them that you “love the way they are playing with their sibling without arguing.”  Each day take account of the times you caught your child being good.  The more you encourage your children, the more your household will be filled with love.

The Bible offers several suggestions of encouragement,
1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  Also,
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 say, “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Remember to accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, and you will be amazed with the outcome, a very happy and encouraged child who knows he is loved.