Purpose serves as a principle around which to organize our lives. ~ Author Unknown
Before saying anything, it is important to think about what you are going to say. This is especially true for parents when talking to their children. You need to think about the long-term effects of your words before saying them.
Dr. Paul Jenkins lists some of the words you may have heard as a child, and some parents still tell their children today.
Is there one thing you can tell a child that’s the most psychologically damaging? Watch the brief video to find out.
I like the quote from his editor. It’s great advice for parents, grandparents, and anyone who deals with children.
Always avoid the word “always” and never use the word “never.”
When you put the word “you” before either of these words, not only is your statement not true, but it is also psychologically damaging to your child.
Are you guilty of telling a child any of these?
- You’re always doing…
- You’re so stupid/dumb.
- What’s wrong with you?
- I wish you were…
There is one thing you should never say to your child if you want them to have a successful and organized life. Saying this one thing damages them for a long time, or even for the rest of their lives.
There is a way to speak to your children that will help them learn better. When you tell them that they can handle anything, they will not be afraid, and they will be able to find ways to cope and adapt when difficulties come up.
It allows their creativity to flow and opens up limitless possibilities for living a life with purpose.
Sometimes parents and kids have dramatic personality clashes and they don’t know how to get along. So these toxic words are said and cannot be unsaid. I don’t think that, when people have kids, they are prepared for the possibility that they literally will not be able to get along with their kids without a lot of work and without a lot of listening and without a lot of accepting their kids for who they are without insisting that they change to please the adults.
Very good advice not only for speaking to your kids but also everybody else.
Yes, Lily. Most of the things that work for children, also work for adults. 😊
oh my! so much wisdom in this one sentence – Always avoid the word “always” and never use the word “never.”
A lot of conflict can be avoided if we at the least remember to apply this rule when we say the things we feel we have to….
Yes, Vidya, profound advice can come in simple sentences.