Parents should tell their children they love them every day to help make them more ready for learning at school, according to new advice from head teachers.
Families often assume their sons or daughters feel loved but they need to hear the words frequently to boost their self-esteem.
They should also praise youngsters by repeating phrases such as �you are learning fast�, �that was a kind thing to do� and �keep working on it, you�re nearly there�.
The recommendations are contained in a leaflet, Your Child�s Wellbeing: A Short Guide For Parents, issued by the school leaders� union, the National Association of Head Teachers and the Family Action charity.
But education campaigners have condemned the advice as �nanny state meddling�, insisting that parents do not need �patronising� reminders from head teachers about how to speak to their children.
The leaflets are being distributed to NAHT�s 28,500 members who will share them with parents at their schools.
The latest top tips for parents include trying to be a �positive role model� by not shouting or swearing in front of children and establishing boundaries to help them �feel safe�.
They should praise their child�s efforts as well as achievements, for example telling them they�ve done well for trying hard and that it�s okay to make mistakes.
When their son or daughter does something wrong, they should �tell them, but focus on their action and how to do better next time�.
A section on raising self-esteem adds: �When things are difficult help your child to see it as part of life and learning and that it happens to all of us. Teach your child not go give up and to keep trying.
�Listen to your child and show them you value their views and opinions.�
Other tips include encouraging children to eat a balanced diet, bake and help prepare family meals and exercise vigorously for at least 30 minutes each day.
Saying �well done� will encourage children to �learn that taking on challenges and making mistakes is an essential part of learning�. Under �emotional well-being�, it adds: �Tell your child that you love them every day�.
�For instance, sometimes we assume our children know that we love them but children need to hear the words.
She added: �The leaflet tells about the importance of helping a child persevere with tasks and reassuring them that it is ok to make mistakes. Trying out some of the suggestions can go a long way to giving children a sense of wellbeing which will give them a good starting point for school life.�
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