Words of encouragement help children become the person God created them to be. Changing the words "i'm not a ..." to "i am a ..." is critical to building a positive self-concept. Children are less likely to focus on their imperfections, negative thoughts, and shortcomings when they have talents, skills, hobbies, and special interests. Children paint a mental picture of themselves from the words significant others say to them: parents, teachers, ministers.