Want To Raise Successful Kids? Never Use These 5 Toxic Phrases, Says Ivy League Child Psychologist7/4/2023
The language we use when communicating with children can have a profound impact on their self-esteem and emotional well-being. According to Dr. Tovah Klein, a child psychologist and author of “How Toddlers Thrive,” certain phrases can unintentionally shame a child and cause lasting damage. It is important to avoid blaming a child for their behavior or emotions as it can create a sense of self-doubt and weakness.
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Research shows that when children feel shamed by their parents, their confidence and motivation diminish, making them less likely to take on new challenges and try new things in the future. To promote a healthy and positive environment, here are five common phrases to avoid, along with alternative approaches suggested by Dr. Klein:
1. “So, you’re in a bad mood, again. You’re always in a bad mood.”
2. “Why do you always get upset when this happens?” 3. “Did you have to do that [negative behavior] again?” 4. “That’s ridiculous!” 5. “You’re overreacting.”
These phrases often stem from frustration and can leave a child feeling terrible about themselves. Instead, take a step back and assess your own emotions before responding. Show empathy and understanding towards your child’s feelings, even if they are in a bad mood.
Here are alternative responses you can use:
1. “You don’t want to do this right now. I get it. But, we still have to go.” 2. “If this is hard, I’m going to help you.” 3. “I wish we could do that.” 4. “You want to go outside? I get it. Unfortunately, we can’t right now.”
By acknowledging and validating their disappointment, you show that you understand their emotions. It is important to set boundaries and be firm about what needs to happen, without over-talking or belittling their feelings. Sometimes, it may be appropriate to respectfully ignore their acting out and calmly wait for the behavior to pass.
In the event that you lose your temper and say something you regret, it is crucial to acknowledge your mistake and rebuild trust with your child. Take responsibility for your actions and reassure them that despite the conflict, you still care and love them. Remember, language matters. By choosing our words carefully and responding with empathy, we can foster a positive environment that supports the emotional well-being and self-esteem of our children.
When we communicate with our kids, let’s choose our words with care and compassion. Positive affirmations, encouragement and constructive feedback can do wonders for their self-esteem and motivation.
Moreover, let’s be sensitive to their feelings. Emotions play a crucial role in their development and by acknowledging and validating their emotions, we create a safe and nurturing environment for them to thrive. Remember, a child who feels loved, understood, and supported is more likely to grow into a confident and resilient individual, ready to take on life’s challenges with grace. Let’s spread the power of kind words and emotional sensitivity, creating a brighter future for our children. Together, we can make a difference! Do you have any parenting tips of your own? Please share them on comment section below.
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