In an earlie r blog,I wrote how parents should strive to always select appropriate words when communicating with their kids. Did you know there are certain words we should use with our kids every day? There are, according to Dr. Vera Lane and Dr. Dorothy Molyneaux, specialists in child-language development and family communication. Parents should strive to use the following phrases with their kids at least once a day.
Thank you – Let’s kids know you appreciate their attempts to help others.
Tell me more– Shows your kids you are interested in what they are talking about.
You can do it– An all-around confidence booster.
How can I help?– Let’s your kids know that you are available when they need your assistance.
Let’s all pitch in – Teaches cooperation and team building skills.
How about a hug?– We tell our kids we love them all the time but it’s equally important that we show them by the simple act of physical comfort.
Please– Shows your kids that when you ask something of someone you are asking for a behavior that will either help you in some way or make you happy. And don’t forget to say, thank you after your child has performed the task you requested.
Good job!– Another confidence booster.
It’s time to… – Whether it’s getting ready for bed or doing homework, this phrase helps young kids learn about structure and helps establish a sense or regularity in their lives.
Finally and most importantly, I love you. We need to say this phrase to our kids daily (several times). We can’t assume that our kids know we love them. We also have to say it when we are in conflict with our kids and don’t forget to tell our older kids we love them.
Using these phrases daily will instill confidence, self-respect and thoughtfulness in our kids.
See also:
The 3 C’s Of Effective Communication
How Well Does Your Family Communicate?