I had a discussion with a parent about comments a parent makes about their child.  The comments could be out of frustration, a statement of opinion, or thought to be an innocent tease.  I put it into two easy categories: Positive and Negative.

I recommend you to record yourself talking about your kid/s to people over a period of time.  What do you hear?  I admit there is no way we could always be on our best behavior when we feel frustrated by some of the baffling choices kids make (even the adult children).  How many parents’ necks are sore from shaking their head at these hair-brained children?

I know I challenged my parents, and even as an adult I’ve behaved childishly.  They should be wondering how was I able to make any type of success.  Guess what, they’re not and if they have I certainly hadn’t heard it from them.  That’s very important! The words my parents spoke to me were affirming no matter what I was doing.  Yes, I was disciplined.  My rear tasted the leather and wood of corporal punishment, but never did I hear a disparaging word from them.  The sting of a belt or paddle subsides pretty fast but a critical word can echo for years in a child’s brain.

I’m going to give you two more words: Blessings and Curses.

Do you want to curse your child?  Wish the worst on them?  I seriously doubt you do, but negative talk to your child has repercussions that are very close to cursing them.  In ancient times and in some cases present time its tradition for the father to pass on his blessings to his child.  What is the significance of this?  You do the research. However, I will pass this on to you.  There is energy in a blessing that can propel a young person into great prosperity.  As I understand it, there is a research done regularly at the Harvard University on success.  I will paraphrase the study; those who were successful were asked a series of questions.  One of the common denominators was the graduates who were successful wrote their goals down.  Now what does this have to do with parenting?

Pretty simple, positive outlook creates a positive checkbook.

PS:  It also matters what you say even when your child is not around because of the mindset you maintain regularly is what you present when they are around.

Words of Wisdom

Positive Outlook creates a Positive Checkbook

Out of Child’s Mouth

Me: “Do you play with American Girl dolls?”

C: “No, my mom says they’re too expensive… and they’re creepy!”

Me: “Creepy?”

C: “They stare at you all night”