02.02.08
7 Things to Say to Kids
The February 2008 Reader’s Digest included 7 things to say to your kids that I feel would be beneficial to positively reinforce anyone, not just kids, when correcting them.
A better way to say, “You’re the best!” is “You should be proud of how hard you worked.”
A better way to say, “Watch your language!” is “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.”
A better way to say, “We can’t afford that.” is “The store is filled with great things today, but we’ve got lots at home already and we’re not going to bring home anything more.”
A better way to say, “Don’t worry-it’ll be okay.” is “I totally understand what you must have gone through. Tell me about it.”
A better way to say, “Don’t talk to strangers.” is “Don’t talk to people who make you feel uncomfortable.”
A better way to say, “Make sure you share.” is “Jesse would like to play with your race car for a while, but it’s still yours and he will give it back.”
A better way to say, “Why did you (miss your curfew, hit your sister, etc.)?” is “My guess is that you missed your curfew because you were having fun and didn’t want to come home, but that’s still not okay. ”