Our Words Create Our World

Power of Words

Plenty of parents have been at their wit’s end when words rolled off their tongue that they later wished had remained unspoken. In fact, at some point, you’ve probably even told yourself, “You’re an idiot,” or “How stupid can you be?” Have you ever thought about how impactful your words really are?

“Our words create our world,” says Dr. Justin Coulson, author of “10 Things Every Parent Needs to Know” and “9 Ways to a Resilient Child” and father of six. “Whatever direction your words lead, your mind and body will follow. We believe what we tell ourselves. Language is powerful. Words don’t just affect us and the way we see ourselves. They affect the way we see our children.”

When Coulson asked a frustrated mother to describe her teenage daughter, the mother said things like, “She’s disrespectful. She’s wasteful. She treats our house like a hotel.” But when Coulson asked about her daughter’s strengths, the mom talked about how caring and generous her daughter was and the fact that she was a great sister. It was almost like she was describing two different people.

“The language we use about one another—and towards each other—impacts how we see one another,” says Coulson, adding that sometimes we say things in a way that is not helpful and may possibly be harmful.

Here are some phrases Coulson encourages parents not to use, along with better ways to express the same sentiment:

Don’t say: “Calm down.”

Say: “You’re so upset.”

Telling someone to calm down actually has the opposite effect. It’s dismissive and it denies emotions. Instead, focus on labeling the emotion. If you can name it, you can tame it.

Don’t say: “You’re so clever.”

Ask: “How did you feel when…”

Research indicates that praise leads to inferences of low ability. The best thing you can do is turn it back on the person/child. For instance, you could say, “Hey, you seem really happy with that outcome. Tell me what you did to get it.”

Don’t say: “Ugh, you’re just like your mother.”

Say: “Wow, this is really challenging for you.”

Avoid comparisons. Highlight what you are observing. Maybe you could say, “In these situations, you seem to struggle with…” Then offer to help.

Don’t say: “Because I said so.”

Say: “Let me tell you why this matters.”

When people have a rationale for the requests we make, they are far more likely to be compliant.

Don’t say: “I was lousy at that.”

Say: “It’s amazing what we can do when we try.”

We can promote a growth mindset by highlighting what happens when we have a go at it, put some effort into it and work hard at something. Can’t yet doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t ever.

Don’t say: “Don’t be stupid.”

Say: Nothing. Simply pause and walk away.

We don’t motivate others by making them feel lousy about themselves. If they’re doing something stupid, ask them to stop. Stupid to us may not seem stupid to them. Be curious, not cranky. There is always a reason for challenging behavior.

“Saying horrible things to others is every bit as damaging as other forms of abuse,” says Coulson. “It affects cognitive function. Things will come out of our mouths that will hurt. The trick is to say fewer of those things and to build our children up.”

By // Julie Baumgardner

Julie Baumgardner is the president and CEO of First Things First, a nonprofit organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that provides healthy relationship skills through classes, events and multimedia outlets.

MASK the Parenting Magazine a quarterly publication providing solutions for Today’s Families.

The parenting manual offering solutions to the modern-day challenges families face. From Pre-K

through College stay up to date on the modern day issues families face.

Are you up to date on the issues your child is facing?

MASK Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids offers parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics – from drugs and alcohol to bullying and Internet safety -and gives students, parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage these potential challenges.

Subscribe today! https://www.tools4teaching.com/product/mask-the-magazine/