By David Morris

“I’m sorry.”

Humility is one of the most powerful forces in the universe.

When you mess up, apologize.

An apology stimulates the empathy center of the brain.

On a chemical level, it restores the harm done by a wrong.

Humility heals.

“I’m figuring this out as I go.”

Every honest parent admits they have no idea what they’re doing.

Rather than deny it, use it.

Involving kids in your decision-making process: – Increases ownership of outcomes – Opens communication channels – Models effective problem-solving.

“I made this mistake.”

Many parents hide their past.

These unhealed places quietly shape kids’ lives in unholy ways.

Your kids need your life story.

The fun memories, successes, and lost loves.

But also the failure, pain, and regret.

Shape their story by sharing yours.

“I’m scared.”

Your kids are learning how to handle fear.

You’re their teacher.

Pretending to be fearless sends the wrong message.

As does letting fear run the show.

Fear is disarmed when exposed. Examine what you fear with your kids. Show them how you fight it.

“This is about me, not you.”

Parents struggle with finding their sense of worth through their children.

It’s a knife that cuts both ways.

Your kids can validate you.

Or invalidate you.

Be aware of this tendency.

When it rises up, call it out.

Transparency here is healthy.

“I love you.”

I know people who heard a parent say “I love you” only once.

As a father, this breaks my heart.

The greatest compliment your children can give you is to take your love for granted.

Say “I love you” so often they stop hearing it.

“I like you.”

Our kids understand we’re required to love them.

We’re their parents. We made them.

But many feel like their parents don’t like them.

Find reasons to delight in your kids.

Be free with your expression of it.

It builds their confidence.

“I’m struggling.”

Parents are interpreters.

We help our children make sense of life.

 If you never let your children in on your struggles, how will they learn?

“I can’t afford this right now.”

This isn’t just about money.

We handicap our kids when they get everything they want when they want it.

Learning to delay gratification is a critical life skill.

But it doesn’t grow in the wild. It’s manufactured one “no” at a time.

“I’m proud of you.”

Children are born with a longing for parental approval.

Withholding it condemns them to a lifetime of destructive approval-seeking behavior.

Express your pride in who they are ⏤

Not what they accomplish.

Who they are.

Because they’re yours.