Words Have Magical Powers: Why Parents Must Talk to Kids with Encouragement
It’s true that words are powerful. Choosing the correct words while communicating is highly essential because it holds the power to deeply impact a child’s mind. While communicating with children, parents must understand that the child’s brain is in the process of development, and the power of a parent’s words can either affirm their efforts and feelings or tear them down.
The power of positive words
Whatever we say to children without thinking twice may linger with them for the rest of their lives, whether it’s positive or negative. Many people assume that communication is ineffective without action, but it is critical to always be kind, compassionate, empathetic, lovable and encouraging to our children.
Children need to hear positive words more than often for the steady growth of their brain’s cognitive functioning. It is scientifically proven that positive words can induce healthier & stronger brain cell connections. This in turn can create everlasting dynamics between parents and their children. Using positive language can also assist in raising resilient, confident, creative, and empathetic adults.
It is critical that we as parents recognize the impact our words can have on our children. They are young right now, but they’re still their own individuals with separate identities, feelings, and thought processes. They may not grasp everything we say to them at their current age, but those words will stick with them as they transition into adults and come across the challenges of the outside world.
By encouraging our children in the right way, we help them focus on their efforts rather than their outcomes. We also significantly impact them by boosting their self-confidence and motivating them to remain dedicated while doing their best in everything they undertake.
Although it may not seem like much to us as parents, using positive phrases like “please” and “thank you” when asking our children to do something can go a long way. For one thing, these words indicate respect. Using them also reinforces the notion that what we’re asking is a request, not a demand. Regardless of the fact that they’re our own children, we must always give them the freedom to decide if they’d like to fulfill our requests. Interestingly, once we begin to do so, we will discover that the children will be much more eager to complete the tasks entrusted to them.
Using positive language with children empowers them to feel cherished and significantly increases their self-esteem. Moreover, research suggests that positive language is more efficient and effective than divisive language in setting boundaries for young ones.
Tips to use positive words with children
Our children have the potential to conquer just about everything they set their minds to. It is imperative that we as parents empower them in every inch of the process. A little touch of encouragement can go a long way. Here are some simple tips we can use to help children make the most of our encouraging words:
Always be specific
When we praise or help motivate our children, we frequently use generic phrases. While this isn’t necessarily a negative thing, we can significantly engage them by using precise words.
❎ “You’ve done such a great job!”
✅ “You’ve done a great job with the cupcakes; they’re delicious!”
Encourage their intentions
When our children make a mistake, it is not really their intention to do so. They simply wanted to do a good deed but ended up going about it incorrectly. It’s critical in this scenario to acknowledge their motivations while tenderly trying to highlight what went awry.
❎ “Look at what a mess you’ve made of the kitchen! And you burnt the cake too.”
✅ “I understand and I’m proud that you wanted to bake your sister a cake by yourself. However, since you’re so young, you can always ask me to help!”
Praise them publicly & privately
It’s essential that our children understand how proud we are of them. We must praise them in the presence of family and loved ones to express our pride. Additionally, complimenting them in private indicates to them that our praises aren’t merely for display but that they exemplify how we truly feel about them.
✅ “What a gorgeous painting; your hard work really paid off! Let’s get it framed.”
✅ “You see how talented my daughter is? She has been working on this piece for a week and look how beautiful it’s turned out!”
The power of a parent’s words is strong
As parents, mentors, and role models, it is our responsibility to support children emotionally and keep their best interests at heart. That starts with our words. We should be intentional with the language we use around children, in order to uplift them and fill them with positive motivation.
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