Your Words Make A Difference

Children are greatly affected by what is said to them.

Make a positive impact by always treating children the way you want to be treated.

• Be aware of what you say and how you say it.

Criticism, insults, threats, sarcasm, and rejection are all forms of emotional abuse and leave lasting scars on children.

• Avoid putdowns, even as jokes. Children take them seriously.

• Stop and cool down before disciplining a child.

• Treat children with respect, even when disciplining, and focus on the behavior, not the child.

• Never use racial slurs or other insults when speaking about others.

• Encourage the behavior you want by praising children often for positive qualities and actions.

• Engage children in friendly conversation daily. Show interest in what they like, ask for their opinions, and listen attentively.

• Keep your promises to children. If that proves impossible, apologize and make it up to them.