I recently watched the movie, 'The Help' and it's a very good movie. It's funny yet thought provoking. I like movies with a point, unless it's political. I'm not going to spoil the movie for you if you haven't seen it yet but instead draw from it.
An encouraging word or statement to someone in an unchangeable, discouraging situation can give them the hope and self-esteem to push thru it. This is what the maid did, in the movie, for the little girl whose mother didn't take time to love or care for her. All people, but especially children, need to be told how special they are. They need confidence building words spoken to them. A child who knows that they are loved, appreciated and important will be more confident, ambitious and less vulnerable to peer pressure.
Your words sink into the minds of others so make them positive and encouraging. Be a joy booster to someone because 'you is kind, you is smart, you is important.'