Kelly Bartlett Quotes

#1. If all we ever offer is blanket praise without any meaning behind it, kids will always seek approval because they'll never feel satisfied. If we offer genuine encouragement for their accomplishments, they won't need our approval; they'll approve of themselves.

Kelly Bartlett

#2. The greatest challenge of parenting is in the inner work it requires: the strength and confidence in believing that we are not in control of, but the answer for our children.

Kelly Bartlett

#3. Encouragement is about drawing forth a child's potential. As we raise and educate our kids on how to be good people, how to work hard, and how to do the right thing, we must find ways to draw it out of them, as opposed to "filling them up" with our words and values.

Kelly Bartlett

#4. A child's behavior we see on the surface is the reflection of the feelings that are rooted underneath. We can use topical treatments to try to shape what the behavior looks like, but if we really want things to change, we need to address the roots. Nourish the roots, see the growth.

Kelly Bartlett

#5. Replace a goal of obedience with one of connection and trust instead. Children are drawn to follow those to whom they are emotionally connected. By parenting not for obedience but for relationship, kids are naturally inclined to follow your lead.

Kelly Bartlett