The Most Powerful Things You Can Say To Your Kids

When I was in first grade, my teacher handed me a sharp knife so I could cut up the fruit for our Thanksgiving feast. I felt a tremendous sense of responsibility and pride that she trusted me with the task, and I knew I wouldn't let her down.

When children know that their parents trust them, they are more likely to make good choices, and not just because they don't want to disappoint them. They don't want to lose their parents' faith in them, but more important, they are confident in their ability to make the right decisions.