In a world where saying “no” is usually a lot easier than saying “yes,” it is important to bring up children who don’t feel that negativity has a higher value than positivity. Encouraging words can have a truly lasting effect on your kiddo years and years after you’ve said them, so we should choose to use phrases that will make them feel good about themselves inside and out, things that will stick with them as words that got them through tough times.

Whether you want to tell them how great they were at their soccer game, or how much you love spending time with them, here are 66 positive and encouraging things to say to your child on a daily basis.

1. I’m grateful for you.
2. You make me proud.
3. Your words are meaningful.
4. You have great ideas.
5. I love being your parent.
6. You don’t have to be perfect to be great.
7. Your opinions matter.
8. You are important.
9. You are loved.
10. I believe you.
11. I believe in you.
12. This family wouldn’t be the same without you.
13. You are valuable.
14. You can say no.
15. You can say yes.
16. I know you did your best.
17. You were right.
18. I accept who you are.
19. We can try your way.
20. You are helpful.
21. You are worth it.
22. You make me happy.
23. I love your creativity.
24. Being around you is fun.
25. I can’t wait to hear about it.
26. Don’t be afraid to be you.
27. You’re making a difference.
28. I’m excited to spend time with you.
29. You are interesting.
30. I love seeing the world your way.
31. It’s good to be curious.
32. I love the way you tell stories.
33. What you did was awesome.
34. I admire you.
35. That’s a great question.
36. Your friends are lucky to have you.
37. I trust you.
38. That was a really good choice.
39. Seeing you happy makes me happy.
40. Being your parent is my favorite job.
41. I learn new things from you every day.
42. You make me better.
43. You are a good boy/girl.
44. Thank you for being you.
45. I’m so glad you’re here.
46. You look great.
47. I understand you.
48. Watching you grow up is the best.
49. That was really brave.
50. I forgive you.
51. I appreciate you.
52. We all make mistakes.
53. Yes, me too.
54. You are very good at that!
55. You can try again tomorrow.
56. Nobody is perfect.
57. I love how you said that.
58. Not everyone will like you, and that’s OK.
59. You did that so well.
60. I’m listening.
61. That’s a very fair point.
62. You are beautiful inside and out.
63. I love you.
64. I could never stop loving you.
65. You are enough.
66. You make my heart full.

What will you say to your child today?

-By Alessia Santoro