What kinds of words should we speak to our children?

What kinds of words should we speak to our children? Are you aware that the words you speak over your children when you talk to them or talk at them has a direct impact on them? I read this fascinating story by Rocky Detwiler on Linkedin about Dr Masaru Emoto. A Japanese researcher and healer who conducted experiments on water molecules. His study was on the effects of words on the structure of water crystals. Apparently water labeled with negative words had collapsed structures with yellow edges when frozen. As opposed to water with labels of positive messages that had intricate structures and diamond like reflectiveness when frozen. Your words have transformational power so the next time you are about to speak to your children think about what you are going to say. Because your words have the power to alter the way they see themselves.

So what kinds of words should we try out this week, my suggestion is words of affirmation, words of encouragement and words of inspiration!

Words of affirmation

To affirm is simply to state something as true and so words of affirmation are not flattery said to get your child to behave. Been there, done that and got the T-shirt! But it should be something positive that you have seen in your child that you want them to be aware of and you want to see grow or deepen. Examples of words of affirmation are ‘I love you’ three simple words that not only say a lot but say everything. In it is a seal of approval which means they are cared for, they are supported and you have their back. Another is ‘I am proud of you’, or ‘You did that very well’, which means you noticed them, you are aware of what is going on in their life and you approve of them.

Words of encouragement

“You can do this!” “I believe in you!” Strong words that cause courage to rise up on the inside of your child. To a child the words “Mum said…” or “Dad said….” are very powerful. You are the custodian of their ability to believe in themselves. Contrary to popular belief ‘You could have done better!’ is not encouraging especially when delivered in a disappointed tone of voice. Words of encouragement are important to lift one out of feeling despair, failure and fear. If  your words do not get the desired effect then you have to change them, get different words.

Words of inspiration

Children need inspiration to excel at their endeavours in all areas of their lives. Words of inspiration can change they way they view a situation. It can create in them an attitude of determination to succeed. Now who doesn’t want a successful child.