It's a season we can dread and look forward to, depending on our personal family situation.
And yet it's a season that we can't get out of until all of our children are grown and gone.
It's September and back to school they go.
New clothes.
New books.
New backpacks.
New shoes.
New just about everything.
Everyone's excited or anxious or a myriad of other emotions as they go back to school a year older and a grade closer to living on their own.
After a few weeks, though, the initial transition is over and the newness has likely worn off.
Homework is once again drudgery and motivation may already be waning.
What's a tired, stressed out parent to do? It often seems easy to point out what's not working, what needs improvement, and where our kids aren't "showing up" as we'd like.
We'd like to propose that it's just as easy ~ and much more effective ~ to empower them instead.
  Use any and all of these statements to support your children, boost their self-esteem, and nourish their spirits.
When they feel acknowledged for who they are and what they've been doing, they'll have the strength and attitude to do their best.
And please remember that school as we know it may not be teaching what YOUR child needs to be taught.
We all know, and most of us admit, that what has made us happy, successful human being, we didn't necessarily learn in school.
  Each child has his or her own genius.
Your child's school may, or may not, recognize this genius.
All the more reason to empower them with your words attitude on a regular basis! Here you go: That's incredible.
How EXTRAORDINARY.
Far out! OUTSTANDING performance.
I can't get over it! Great! Amazing effort! Unbelievable work! WONDERFUL! Marvelous.
Phenomenal.
You've Got It! Superb.
COOL! Excellent.
You're Special.
Your work is out of sight.
Your project is first rate.
You really put a lot of effort into that.
You have outdone yourself! Way to go.
Thumbs up!  You are a good friend! You came through.
TERRIFIC!  You did your best.
Your help really counts.
You made it happen.
  It couldn't be better! Fantastic Work! You're a real trooper.
Fabulous BRAVO.
Exceptional.
You're unique.
AWESOME.
Breathtaking.
The time you put in really shows.
  I knew you had it in you.
DYNAMITE.
It is everything I hoped for.
WELL DONE.
  You should be proud of yourself.
What an imagination! You made the difference.
You're sensational.
Very Good.
A+ work.
Super Job.
GOOD FOR YOU! Take a bow.
You figured it out.
Great Answer.
You are doing a lot better.
Thanks for being honest.
  How artistic.
Hooray for you.
You're a joy.
How thoughtful of you.
You're amazing.
You're getting there.
What a GREAT idea.
  You need a hug.
Thanks for giving it a go.
You are a big help.
  You have got what it takes.
You are a shining star.
You can be trusted.
WOW!  Remarkable.
BEAUTIFUL.
I'm proud of you!  VERY IMPRESSIVE.
You're quick.
You're a winner.
  Spectacular work.
You are so kind.
What a great listener.
  Thanks for helping.
Thanks for caring.
You are a GREAT kid.
  How original.
You're a champion.
You're a pleasure to know.
  VERY BRAVE.
You are very talented.
That took courage.
We may not always know what's going on inside our kids.
Wouldn't it be nice to know that you're adding something of good use? Try it ~ often! You'll feel the results almost immediately! Then, when you've mastered empowering your kids, try it on the adults in your life.
Husbands, wives, bosses, co-workers, and even strangers respond in the most interesting way to acknowledgment and appreciation: they SMILE and feel good about themselves.
By the way? THIS is also how we create world peace!