We all need a bit of encouragement now and then. From small successes to meeting big goals, it always feels good to hear “you’re great!” How will you show some encouragement to a child or Little in your life? Here are 27 ways to say “you’re great” to kids.
- You’re a terrific kid, I enjoy spending time with you!
- Thanks for showing good character when you . . .
- That’s a really creative idea.
- I’m impressed with how you solved that problem.
- You showed real leadership on that.
- Really nice effort!
- Will you show me how to do that?
- I appreciate when you . . .
- You did an outstanding job.
- I hope you feel proud of yourself!
- Looks like you put a lot of work into that and it paid off!
- You learned that really fast! I knew you could do it.
- Learning is about making mistakes — keep trying—you’ll get it.
- You showed good sportsmanship.
- That was so kind!
- Way to go my friend!
- Well done! That’s really a strength for you.
- How did you come up with that? Very clever!
- You get better at this all the time.
- I hear what you’re saying, that sounds important to you.
- That was beautiful, you’re so talented.
- I like when you try something new!
- When you say thank you it really shows you care.
- I love your sense of humor, you make me laugh!
- I admire when you . . .
- I know that was difficult but you showed a lot of courage!
- I believe in you!
Want to make a difference in the life of a child in our community? Find out how you can become a volunteer Big or donate to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay’s mentoring programs.
Chyanne Eaton, double majoring in Biomedical Science and Spanish at USF, is Co-President and Founder of Bulls for Brighter Futures. Chyanne felt that her time in the School-to-Work program as a Little was invaluable. As a high school student who planned to attend college, the School-to-Work program provided Chyanne with essential life skills. For instance, she learned how to navigate the college admissions process, establish and use credit, and combat implicit bias. Having a Big gave her someone to go to for advice or reassurance.
Nidhi Bangalore, double majoring in Biomedical Science and Psychology at USF, is the VP of Menteeship for Bulls for Brighter Futures. Connecting with her Big through the School-to-Work program helped her focus on her education while building interpersonal skills. She looks to her Big as a friend and teacher who truly has an impact on her life. She saw herself grow as a person during the two years she spent in the School-to-Work program. “Seeing how someone’s guidance and friendship can help another, I hoped to foster that same bond with the new mentors and mentees in our program,” Nidhi explained.
Viola Davis was the first African American to achieve “triple crown” status by being awarded a Primetime Emmy, an Academy Award, and two Tony Awards. 
Susan B. Anthony’s name is typically the first to come to mind when thinking about women’s right to vote in the United States. She appears on our currency and in most history books. She is arguably the most well-known contributor to the Women’s Suffrage movement. 
The first woman to wear a hijab while competing in the Olympics on behalf of the United States was Ibtihaj Muhammad. She earned a bronze medal for her sabre fencing at the Rio Olympics and is ranked 7th globally. 
Claudette Colvin was pregnant and sitting in the back of the bus, as African Americans were required to do so in 1955. When the bus filled up, she was asked to stand to give her seat up to a white person. She loudly refused and exclaimed that it was her “constitutional right” to occupy the seat. “History kept me stuck to my seat. I felt the hand of Harriet Tubman pushing down on one shoulder and Sojourner Truth pushing down on the other.” 
