How do you become a trusted voice in your children’s lives when so many voices are competing for their attention?
Two key ways: be an encourager and be a listener.
Be an Encourager
A lot of the words we speak to our kids tend to be instructive or corrective. While there’s a time and place for both, if these are the only kinds of words our children hear, they become the voices stuck in their heads.
As parents, we are often the first voices shaping their inner thoughts—and eventually, we become some of the most consistent ones too.
Encouraging words are powerful. They help shape your child’s sense of identity and build confidence. An easy way to do this is by turning instructions into encouragements or adding a positive note to each directive. Encouragement speaks life into their little souls and builds them up.
For example:
These small shifts not only help your children feel seen and valued but also reinforce the idea that they are capable and loved.
Be a Listener
Another way to ensure you’re a trusted voice is by being a good listener.
Your children are constantly hearing from others: peers, siblings, teachers, and social media. These voices can be loud and overwhelming. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to ask meaningful questions and truly listen to their answers.
When we listen, we gain insight into the influences shaping their thoughts and decisions. And listening doesn’t mean turning every conversation into a lecture. Instead, it means seeking to understand their hearts.
By being intentional with your time and attention now, you build a relationship where your children feel safe to come to you—not just today, but as they grow and face bigger questions and decisions in life.
Consistency is Key
Becoming a trusted voice doesn’t happen overnight, but the effort you put into encouraging and listening during their younger years will pay off. As your kids grow, they’ll know they can count on you as a steady, loving, and safe presence in their lives.
You’ve got this!
