Reasons parents and teachers must consider replacing harsh words with motivating words

Words are powerful weapons. As much as we know the extent to which words can affect someone, we seldom think enough before we speak. Words are capable of building and destroying relationships. Children, particularly, can suffer an irreparable damage when someone targets them with harsh words.

Parents and teachers ought to use their words wisely or else they could damage the self-esteem of their children or students in their formative years.

Replace ‘you are not supposed to do….’ With ‘you can try doing …. Instead of ….’

Instead of saying ‘you are very selfish’ you should say ‘you must learn to share with others’

Instead of forcing them to do things by saying ‘you have to…’ you can try saying ‘I’d like it if you…’

‘you are careless’ you can say ‘ you need to be more careful’

Try requesting instead of being dictatorial with them.

Start being appreciative and praise them often for all the good things they do even if it’s just efforts: Kids love a little pat on their back once in a while. It encourages them to do better and also feel good about the praiseworthy qualities that they possess. Kids grow up to resent people who have undervalued and criticized them every now and then during their childhood. If parents think it’s necessary for their kids to know what they lack, shouldn’t they also know what they are good at?

Try praising your students/children often by saying things like:

You did an excellent job on your science project; you should participate in such tasks more often.

You are amazing at football

That’s a good score! I am sure next time you’d get even better scores.

“Thanks for helping me with the dishes”

Positive words and compliments will shape your kids to become more confident and motivated. So, replace all the harsh words with polite and kind words and watch the difference in your child’s attitude.Read more..