The way we use language can
liberate parenting. The right kind of language can build self esteem, inspire
confidence and encourage responsibility. I discovered that by modifying my
language to deal with mishaps, 'misbehaviour' (a word I despise) and feelings
resulted in dramatic changes in the reactions from my children. Here are some examples from Liberated Parents, Liberated Children:
"the
milk spilled, we need a sponge" instead of "now look what you did"
"walls are
not for writing on. Paper is for writing on" instead of "bad boy! No more
crayons for you"
"a scratch can hurt" instead of "stop crying. It's only a
scratch"
" I see a purple house, a red sun and a stripy sky" instead of "that
painting is beautiful, you're a great artist". Praise is wonderful but where can
a child go from 'beautiful' and 'great'. Words that evaluate hinder a child.
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