No matter how old you get, words of encouragement from your parents always resonate deeply. As children, we may not have fully grasped their meaning, but we come to appreciate these affirmations as we mature. And talking about this, here are some heartfelt phrases every grown child wants to hear from their parents.
“You Were Right”
As children, hearing our parents say, “You were right,” felt impossible, but when we become adults, it’s easier for them to admit. Acknowledging when we were right all along can represent a meaningful apology while demonstrating respect for our opinions and maturity. It can also lead to more open communication and mutual respect, reinforcing a healthy adult relationship between parent and child.
“Thank You”
When an adult’s parents say the simple words, ‘Thank you,’ they are truly appreciated. They might say it to express their gratitude for help, a visit, or simply being a source of joy. It’s a beautiful acknowledgment of gratitude that shows that their contributions and efforts are valued. We all need to say “Thank you” to our parents more often, too.
“I’m Sorry”
An apology from a parent can be powerful; admitting mistakes and expressing regret is never easy, but it can heal past wounds and strengthen the relationship. This phrase signifies humility and a willingness to maintain a healthy, honest connection, encouraging grown children to do the same.
“I’m Proud of You”
Perhaps the greatest thing any parent can tell their child is, “I’m proud of you.” As a child, it doesn’t mean so much, but once we’re grown up, it can bring tears to our eyes. Sadly, many adults can only dream of hearing this phrase, but as HuffPost points out, this doesn’t mean that their parents aren’t proud of them–they just don’t know how to articulate it.
“I Love You”
On a similar level to “I’m proud of you” is “I love you,” a straightforward expression of love that can be incredibly comforting to hear from our parents. It reassures grown children that, despite any misunderstandings or conflicts, their parents still love them, and that will never change.
“I Believe in You”
When we hear our parents telling us that they believe in us, it can be immensely encouraging, even as an adult. It gives us the motivation to tackle challenges and pursue our dreams, thanks to the much-valued validation from our parents. It signifies trust and confidence, which can be particularly empowering during difficult times or significant life decisions.
“You Inspire Me”
Parents who tell their grown children, “You inspire me,” will greatly uplift them. It shows admiration for their character, actions, or achievements and acknowledgment that can enhance their self-esteem greatly. It’s particularly moving, as usually it is the child who finds their parents inspiring.
“I Appreciate You”
Another phrase every grown child dreams of hearing from their parents is “I appreciate you,” which shows appreciation for who they are as individuals and can be very affirming. It goes beyond specific actions to acknowledge their overall value, leading to a reinforcement of their sense of identity and the unique qualities they bring to the family.
“Take Your Time”
Everything felt like a rush when we were children, but our parents started to relax once we grew older. This is why encouraging grown children to move at their own pace by advising, “Take your time,” can greatly alleviate pressure. This could be in regard to major decisions or smaller personal goals, but either way, the phrase conveys much-needed patience, understanding, and support.
“We’re Here for You”
There’s not much of a warmer feeling in life than hearing your elderly parents say, “We’re here for you.” Usually, we already know this, but having this unconditional support reiterated to us helps us regain our security in life. Knowing that our parents will be there through thick and thin is a true privilege, something that, sadly, some people don’t get to experience.
“You’ve Grown So Much”
It’s always quite amusing to hear our parents tell us, “You’ve grown so much,” as it’s hard for us to imagine ourselves as children again. However, it’s a very welcome statement, as it underlines our personal growth, not just our physical appearance, highlighting the journey that we’ve taken in life and all the progress we’ve made.
“We Trust Your Judgment”
Being told that your parents trust your judgment is a tremendous feeling indeed. As a child, you could only dream of gaining such trust, so receiving this affirmation feels truly momentous as an adult. It shows how mature and reliable you have become, a level of support that can empower you to trust your instincts more and continue making smart decisions.
“It’s Okay to Make Mistakes”
As children, we were always told, “It’s okay to make mistakes,” so hearing this again as an adult can be very reassuring. It reminds us that mistakes are part of life and that this never changes, even as we grow old. Sometimes, we’re too hard on ourselves as adults, so it’s a dream of many people to be reassured once again by this phrase.
“You’re Always Welcome”
It’s a sad fact that growing up means adults move away from their parents, making the occasional visit all the more welcome. After a visit, some parents will tell their grown child, “You’re always welcome,” and it’s enough to bring anyone to tears. It signifies that no matter where life takes them, they will always have a family to return to, something for which everyone should be grateful.
“You Deserve Happiness”
Sometimes, life can get tough, and we beat ourselves up over the difficulties we face, which is why we dream of hearing our parents tell us, “You deserve happiness.” Usually, we know that this is true and truly believe it inside, but hearing it from our parents just strikes a special place in our hearts.
“Let’s Spend Time Together”
Anyone who receives the suggestion of “Let’s spend time together” from a parent will be immensely grateful. Expressing a desire to spend quality time together shows interest and love, bringing a parent and child closer together. It shows that each other’s company is cherished by the parents and that they want to continue creating lasting, meaningful memories.
“We Learn from You Too”
Our parents are usually our most valued teachers in life, making it all the more moving when they tell us, “We learn from you, too.” We often see them as beacons of wisdom, so to know that they are learning from us makes the feeling mutual, creating a dynamic and emotional sense of shared growth and understanding.
“You’re Important to Us”
Sadly, we often forget to remind the loved ones in our lives how important they are to us. We’re reminded to do so by our parents when they tell us how important we are to them. It can pull on our heart strings, as our parents are invaluable to us too, but sometimes, life gets too busy, and we forget to acknowledge this.
“We Support Your Choices”
Perhaps the most common phrase that every grown child dreams of hearing from their parents is “We support your choices.” It shows that our parents have our back and that they trust our intuition and judgment. It means that we can truly be ourselves, knowing that whatever that is, our parents will support and understand us.