The two things all great performers and athletes do consistently is practice and maintain a positive attitude. This article will introduce you to the three power phrases that will help you begin building a foundation of positive “can do” attitudes in your children.

The words and phrases you use around your children help form the thoughts they think. If you tell your children that you think they are smart, they will most likely think they are smart in that moment.

The words and phrases you use around your children consistently help form the thoughts they think consistently, and thereby develop their attitudes, habits and belief systems.

If you tell your child you think they are smart everyday, they will most likely develop the attitude that they are smart. The truth is no one knows anything they haven’t learned yet!

In my 25 years of working with children, I have discovered three power phrases that all children need to hear to begin building the foundation of a positive attitude and belief in their capabilities!

1. Do your Best! – It’s what we can logically expect from anyone. Three simple yet powerful words when it comes to motivating young children.

2. You are good! – Three powerful words to anchor the child into the belief of their goodness as a whole and build the foundation for behavior management.

3. I like you! – The more things you like in life – the more life you will like!

Think of the words you would like your children to hear and plant them like seeds into their conscious minds. Motivate their thoughts, so they can motivate themselves to keep moving and improving into their lifetime adventures.

Scott Liebler is the founder of Move to Improve and Funsical Fitness for early childhood

development. Move to Improve is a program sponsored by Summit Head Start, Early Childhood Options and funded by the Summit Foundation. For more information on this program call (303) 902-4985 or e-mail funsical@yahoo.com.