“Proud”
Word type: adjective
Definition: feeling deep pleasure or satisfaction as a result of one’s own achievements, qualities, or possessions or those of someone with whom one is closely associated.
Synonyms: pleased, glad, happy, delighted, joyful, satisfied, thrilled, gratified
It’s possibly the most powerful word you can use as a parent and far more impactful than any of its synonyms shown above. Most kids thrive on making their parents proud. “Mom/dad, look at what I just did!”
As often as your kids deserve it, and even for little things, let them know when they make you proud. You can immediately tell the effect from the type of smile you get in return.
- “That’s great. I’m proud of you.”
- “You made me proud when you _______”
- “You should be proud of yourself for ______”
- “Best of luck, we know you’ll make us proud.”
When your kid goes off to college and even when they are professionally employed and living on their own, they will still cherish the word when it comes from you. You’ll know that’s the case if you’re still one of the first people they call to brag about something they accomplished. And even then you can still use the word in response.
Gordon Daugherty 