10 Sentences We Should Never Say To Our Children
Words can change a child’s life forever. That is why it is so important to know that there are certain phrases we should never say to our children, even if we are sad.
As parents, we should be very careful with our word choice towards our children. Inadequate sentences can have a permanent and powerful effect on their lives.
All words have consequences, some positive and others negative. In this article, we will mention some phrases we should never say to our children.
“Forbidden” words and phrases we should never say to our children
1. “I will do it for you”
As a parent, it is natural that you want to take control of the situation to make your child’s life easier. However, if you use this phrase when referring to their homework, duties, or daily activities, you may end up demotivating your child. It is better for you to help them as they do their tasks instead of doing it for them.
2. “Do not cry”
Especially when it comes to boys, it is quite common to hear this phrase from some parents. It is not healthy to say that, as it teaches children to “swallow” their emotions. You should avoid reprimanding your children for expressing their feelings of sadness or frustration when they cry.
3. “Why are you no longer like your brother or sister?”
Comparisons can be harmful at all stages of life. Why should we use them to make our children feel less comfortable? Replace these phrases with others that highlight their virtues and qualities. Emphasize things that make them unique as individuals. They should feel that you respect and admire them as an individual.
4. “I promise”
It is not wise to use this phrase without intending or knowing for sure that you can keep it. A broken promise to a child is a sign that they can not trust you as much as they thought they could. Use phrases like “I’m trying” to prevent your child from getting more excited than they should.
5. Talk bad about others
There are many phrases that can be used to demean people. If your child hears it, it can mark their future behavior. Remember that you are your child’s role model. They will imitate you and the things that you say. If you want your children to speak to others with respect, start by leading by example.
6. “Because I say so”
This phrase is quite cliché and is used when parents do not want to justify their actions. Try to avoid this sentence. It is better to give good arguments that explain your actions. Children will not find a reason to stop their bad behavior if they are not given a proper reason.
7. “Shut up”
This is a phrase that should not be used at all and especially not towards your children. In addition to being rude, it also threatens your child’s ability to express himself. It also gives a hostility. Instead of using this phrase, you can point out in advance when they should be silent and say again when they are allowed to speak again.
8. “You are so… (any adjective with a negative meaning)”
Parents sometimes say these sentences when they are upset. Those sentences reinforce their unpleasant feelings towards their children. If a parent constantly uses these kinds of phrases, it may make their children believe them. These phrases should only be used to highlight their strengths and talents. It will in turn strengthen their self-esteem.
9. “You will see when your father (or mother) comes home”
It is a phrase often used to say that a punishment comes from either father or mother when they come home. It is a sign of weak authority. It shows that you do not know how to handle the situation. If the behavior is not corrected when it happens, the child will not remember what he has done wrong and therefore cannot understand the punishment that comes later. The use of this phrase will also create a negative image of their father or mother because the child may become afraid of them.
10. “Leave me alone”
If this phrase is used frequently, your child may misinterpret it. They may begin to believe that their presence is annoying you. If you feel stressed, say in advance that it might be better to talk later. When you feel better, you can go back to them and enjoy the time with them.
These are some of the most important phrases we should never say to our children. Of course, there are several phrases we should never say to our children, but these are some of the most common.
