I just read a great quote from Jack Schafer, Ph.D., he said:
Words cannot change reality, but they can change how people perceive reality. Words create filters through which people view the world around them.
I would like to add to that – words also create filters through which people view themselves – especially children. Just the simplest phrase like “You’re being bad” or “Don’t be stupid” can create a permanent filter through which children see themselves for life.
When you sit back and think about the sheer power we have as parents and educators to shape the world of the children around us – it is really quite scary. Especially when you remeber the way a child views their parent. For the 1st few years of life we are their whole world – we are the sun, the moon, the air they breathe. Their main goal is to please us, to make us happy, to see love on our face reflected back at them.
Our words and actions will shape how a child sees the world and life. Will they see life as hard? Will they see it as a grand adventure? Will they see themselves as capable of anything? Will they believe that happiness is only rewarded to a select few?
You get to help decide! Every day when you talk to your child you are making the difference between them seeing life as either hard or a grand adventure. You are deciding whether they believe themselves to stupid or capable and resourceful.
Your Words Have Power – Use Them Wisely!
The children of the world thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Melissa
