The Power of Your Words as a Parent
Photo by London Scout
I have counseled hundreds of children, youth, and parents over the years and one thing that proves consistently true:
THERE IS POWER IN YOUR WORDS!
As a parent, your words either bring life or death to your child. They either build up or tear down. They either instill confidence or instill fear. Produce hope or produce anxiety. People outside of your home will try and tell your child who he is or who she should be. They will only develop a positive sense of self and feel secure in themselves if they know who they are first!
The old saying goes, "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me!" Many children have sung that tune on the playground for generations. The problem with this is, that it's simply not true! If words didn't hurt, then why does research show that emotional abuse is more harmful than physical abuse? Why are children who are bullied verbally, commit suicide or homicide-suicide? Because, actually, there is a great power in words!
As parents, we have a responsibility to speak positive, affirming words to our children. This may mean you have to go against traditional parenting in your family. For some, strength-based language was not spoken in their home growing up. If that was you, it may be more challenging. Now, I am not talking about avoiding discipline with your children. To discipline means to teach. It is important to teach your children right from wrong by speaking in truth from a place of strength and positivity. Empower children through your empowering words to them.
Speaking life to your children means telling them that they are beautiful inside and out. That they are perfectly able and capable. That they are gifted and talented. That they are uniquely purposed for something only they can do. That they are loved, valued, and important. That mistakes and failures do not define them. Teach them to follow directions, but not to be followers of the crowd. Teach them to be leaders, to stand up for what is right.
Parenting is not easy, but if you speak life over your children consistently, throughout their childhood, parenting will be much easier because the influences of the world will not be able to penetrate their hearts or their souls. I worked with foster youth for over a decade and saw how difficult it was for most of them to believe others when positive things were spoken over them. Why? It was because their parents, whether verbally or through their actions, told them they were worthless. As a parent, you have a strong voice in the head of your child. You have a huge responsibility to raise your children to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit. Healthy growth and transformation starts by ensuring that the language spoken in your home, and to your children, remains positive and life-giving. Your children will reflect what you model. Never underestimate the power of your words!
Photo by Crystal Westfield