Danger phrases that will harm our children--and others who hear them

There are power phrases we can use to help us establish boundaries, demonstrate confidence, and succeed in handling the various communication and relationship challenges we all face daily.  But there are also danger phrases we should be aware of, so we can avoid creating a toxic environment that will harm anyone who enters it.  Let's be sure we aren't the ones creating a toxic environment that is suffocating our family, our friends, our coworkers.

As parents, we want the best for our children. We want to protect them, teach them, and guide them to become the best versions of themselves. However, sometimes we forget that our words and actions can have a profound impact on our children's development. We may think that our words are harmless, but they can leave a lasting impression on our children's minds.

There are certain words and phrases that we should never say to our children, and no one else should hear them either. These words can create a toxic environment that can affect our children's mental health, self-esteem, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we will discuss some of these words and why we should avoid them.

1. "I hate you": This is a powerful and hurtful phrase that should never be used, especially towards our children. When we say these words, we are sending a message that we do not love or care for our children. It can also make them feel unwanted and unloved, which can have a long-term impact on their self-esteem and emotional well-being.

2. "You're stupid": This is another harmful phrase that can have a negative impact on our children's self-esteem. When we say this to our children, we are sending a message that they are not smart or capable, which can make them feel inferior to others. This can lead to a lack of confidence and a fear of trying new things.

3. "I wish you were more like your sibling": Comparing our children to their siblings or other children is a surefire way to make them feel inadequate and unloved. Each child is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses. Comparing them to others can make them feel like they are not good enough or that they need to change to be accepted.

4. "You're too fat/thin": Our children's physical appearance should never be a topic of discussion, especially in a negative way. Comments about their weight or body shape can lead to body image issues and even eating disorders. We should focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive self-image, rather than criticizing their appearance.

5. "I don't have time for you": Our children need our time and attention. When we say that we don't have time for them, it can make them feel like they are not important to us. This can lead to feelings of neglect and abandonment, which can have a negative impact on their emotional well-being.

6. "I don't care": When our children come to us with a problem or concern, it's important to listen and show empathy. Saying that we don't care can make them feel like their feelings are not valid or important. This can lead to a lack of trust and a reluctance to share their thoughts and feelings in the future.

In conclusion, the words we use can have a powerful impact on our children's development. We should avoid using hurtful or negative language and instead focus on promoting positivity, love, and compassion. We should lead by example and create a safe and nurturing environment for our children to grow and thrive. Let's strive to be mindful of our words and actions, and create a better future for our children.

For more training such as this--for business and personal communication challenges, go to Dan O'Connor's website--danoconnortraining.com. and look around.  You'll be happy you did :)