Has your child or student ever said, “I can’t do this”? Leo did. He was in a painting class that I was helping at. A friend and I were teaching a class of eight children how to paint a jellyfish.  He asked for help at each new step saying, “I can’t do this.”

I guided his hand the first time, showing him how to hold the paintbrush. I helped him mix a shade of light blue for the jellyfish’s body.  Each time he said, “I can’t do this.” And each time after some success on his own, I said, “Look, you did it.”

The breakdown came when it was time to shade inside the jellyfish’s body.  Leo put down his paintbrush, crossed his arms, put his head down, and said, “I can’t do this.”  That was it. But I was ready with my Speak Life Badges.

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When Speak Life Badges Turned an “I Can’t Do This” into a Win

I said, “Leo, I know you aren’t one to give up. You keep trying. I have a special book with stickers. May I give you a sticker that says, I did not give up. I kept trying?”

He still stood with his arms crossed and his head down, but he watched me as I flipped through the I Am Smart sticker book until I got to the I did not give up. I kept trying sticker. 

I said, “Which color sticker would you like?” 

He picked green without hesitation.  I peeled it off and give it to him and said, “Now when you wear this as we keep painting, I want you to remember that you don’t give up.  You keep trying until you get it.”

He stuck the sticker on his leg because he had his paint apron on so he couldn’t reach his shirt.

Leo painted for the rest of paint class, mixing teal for himself and a friend, splatter painting the water around the jellyfish, and signing his name.  When all finished, he took his painting around to show his friends saying, “I did this myself.”

That’s how Speak Life Badges sticker awards and words of life work!

How Speak Life Badges Works

I stayed gentle and patient and said, “Leo, I know you aren’t one to give up. You keep trying. I have a special book with stickers. May I give you a sticker that says, I did not give up. I kept trying?”

“Now when you wear this as we keep painting, I want you to remember that you don’t give up.  You keep trying until you get it.”

It’s that simple. Speak Life Badges sticker awards turn a tough moment into a win at home, in the classroom, in a homeschool co-op, in Sunday School, or while being tutored or coached.

Gail said, “I have been using my Speak Life Badges for some amazing people and the results are beyond my wildest dreams.  I want to spread the joy and share the wonder.“

Looking for a Special, Sticky Way to Encourage Your Children and Students When They Say “I Can’t Do This”?

The I Am Smart sticker book has the sticker award badges: I did not give up. I kept trying (the one I gave to Leo), I faced a challenge today and succeeded, It’s easy! I’ve got this!

The I Am Priceless sticker book has the sticker award badges: I am a winner, I am a champion, I am persistent, I am patient, (Being patient with themselves as they don’t give up is so powerful!), and I am extraordinary. I must throw that one in there, too because your children and students are extraordinary!

When Charlotte got her I am a great reader sticker she said no one else had made her feel so happy about her reading before. Your words of life with a Speak Life Badge are a powerful duo. You can get Speak Life Badges sticker award books here.

Build Confident Children and Students with These Related Episodes

Here are two past episodes of the Renewed Mama Podcast for more tips to help your children when they say, I can’t do this.

Remember This When It’s Hard and Your Children or Students Say “I Can’t Do This”

Remember that what your children think, say, and believe about themselves when faced with the hard thing is more important than them accomplishing the hard thing.

Help them think, say, and believe the truth about themselves.

I encourage you to push play to the video called Tell Me No More Lies. There is a free activity page to color while watching the video. 

In the video, we break down the lie of “It’s too hard. I can’t do this” with the truth that “Hard can still mean doable for me.” We replace the lie, “I don’t belong” with the truth that “I am one of a kind. I am important.” Your children and students will enjoy the video and you just might be encouraged, too like Mandy who said, “I just healed some inner child wounds as I think about the lies that hold me back to this day.”

Didn’t Hear Encouraging Word When You Said “I Can’t Do This” as a Kid

Maybe you didn’t hear words of life spoken in your home as a kid and you want to change that, but don’t know how. What can you say instead of shouting or getting frustrated that will actually motivate, encourage, and get everyone to cooperate?  Maybe you’d do anything for more honor in your home, less sibling fighting, and no more temper tantrums.

Perhaps you are tired of the critical, negative tape replaying in your mind that says, “Always late, don’t have it all together, not good enough, messing up the kids.” If that’s you, I understand because I was there once, too.  I wrote in my journal, How did we get here? I don’t like the place we are in and the mama I am. There is so much strife.

I’m so glad I didn’t give up, and it’s all because I got coached. I got humble, and teachable, and asked for help.  If you want change in your home and are ready to ask for help, I am here for you.  Go to Renewed Mama Coaching and book your first two coaching chats with me.

Your parenting, the peace in your home, better relationships with your children, less outbursts and temper tantrums, and a strong, positive mom mindset can be yours.  Reach out at Renewed Mama Coaching.