Have you ever wondered why it is a good idea to have faith in your children? How else will they learn to have faith in themselves? Of course, it is important to show your faith with actions. The fundamental actions to show faith in your children are avoidance actions such as avoiding over-parenting, rescuing, fixing, reminding (lecturing). 

Here are 6 ways your kids know you believe in them. 

1. Give them responsibility early and often. 

It doesn’t matter how old your child is, there’s something he or she can do to help. Not just chores to keep him or her busy, but responsibilities the family counts on and that demonstrate you believe he or she can contribute. 

2. Hold them accountable (no free pass). 

One message a consequence gives is the belief a child can do better. Not disciplining, or avoiding accountability, gives a clear signal that the parents don’t believe in the child anymore. 

3. Demonstrate trust. 

Don’t just talk the talk, but walk the walk. If you say you believe in your daughter, let her make that decision you’re worried about. Then allow her to experience the consequence with your care and support. Trust must be offered according to age-appropriate boundaries and with respect to safety. But be generous with your trust. 

4. Avoid legalism. 

The letter of the law tends to narrow in the absence of belief. Too many nit-picky rules stifle the growth of conscience as well as squash belief. 

5. Brag on them in public. 

Don’t be shy to make sure your children know you believe in them. Don’t make stuff up, but be generous in your praise and don’t leave any room for doubt. Often the balance is tipped by the confidence we give our children…or fail to give. So don’t be guilty of being that parent who is always sucking the air out of your children’s sense of self. One of the best places to do this is at an All Pro Dad’s Day. Each month chapters of dads and kids meet at schools and one of the activities is the dads get to share publicly why they are proud of their kids. Check to see if there is a chapter in your area or look into starting one. 

6. Don’t over help. 

This is huge. Parents who swoop in to fix everything before anything can go wrong are telling kids loud and clear that they don’t believe in them to begin with. 

Believe in your children and they will climb mountains! ⛰️⛰️