Inspire Your Children

From a blog that I follow closely, AdventureDad recently posted a Readers' Digest article he read. It was on "How To Inspire Your Children".

Small Excerpt:

1. What you say: "You're the best!"
What they hear: "Your job in life is to make me happy."
A better way to say it: "You should be proud of how hard you worked."

2. What you say: "Watch your language!"
What they hear: "I've tuned out what you're really trying to say."
A better way to say it: "I'm so glad you came to talk to me, but I have one request for the future. I find that word offensive, so please don't use it."

4. What you say: "Don't worry -- it'll be okay."
What they hear: "You're such a drama queen!"
A better way to say it: "I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it."

I am definitely guilty of item #4 whenever Erik wails. However, I also "sportcast" and tell my toddler that he's feeling sad, frustrated, angry, upset and it's okay that he wants to cry or need Mummy or Daddy to hold for a little bit until he's okay again. So maybe I'll just stop saying the "Don't Worry, you're okay" to Erik?!

Read more on the article and see if you agree or disagree. Comment either way.