Encourage your kids

Whether they'll fess up to it or not, kids like a pat on the back...especially from their parents. Surprise your second in command with a card full of supportive words on a difficult day. A few shared laughs will help them relax before the big test or team tryouts.

Looking for great ideas to encourage your own great kid? Get started with a few of our suggestions.

A can-do attitude
Sometimes the biggest accomplishments are just showing up—for the big game, their very first concert or an all-school assembly. Let your little individual know it takes guts to meet those challenges, and you're sure proud of their never-give-up approach to life. Remind them of a specific success (or even a failure) and how their effort will serve them later in life.

A nice surprise
Nothing delights a child more than an unexpected card from Mom under the pillow or tucked into a brand-new book in their backpack. Include messages like "Awesome effort on your algebra test" or "I knew you could do it!" or "Aren't you proud of yourself? I sure am." These confidence boosters are worth their weight in hugs and kisses.

Special delivery
For all their hard work and good behavior, send them on a mission of recognition. Hide their favorite candy, a thoughtful card or a small gift in the mailbox and ask them to bring in the mail that day. With a beaming smile and a happy heart, you'll know right away you've made their day.

It's the little things
Create a whole lot of motivation by rewarding everyday good deeds like entering the spelling bee, tutoring another student or just having the courage to be themselves. Give a surprise high five in the form of skip-a-day-of-chores coupons, their favorite dinners or special time set aside for just the two of you to recap the day and set goals for tomorrow.

There are so many ways to celebrate your children's efforts and help them shine. With cards starting at just 99¢ and gifts for every occasion, it just takes a moment to make a kid smile.