Things to avoid when you communicate with kids

Gone are the days when mothers used those emotional dialogues to make children obey their commands. You must have heard the phrase that kids these days are getting smarter and you need to find better ways to talk to them. This phenomenon is very much applicable these days. Parents should be careful when they talk or scold their children. Whatever you express to them definitely leaves deep imprints on their innocent minds.

Following are the key points that should be avoided in your regular conversation with children.
 

1. "I KNOW YOU CAN TRY HARDER"

You are aware of the fact that your child is much more capable of handling curriculum and co curriculum activities. But being a parent you know that your child is being lazy and that hurdles his/her performance. If you "try harder" has to do with tasks and be certain about what you expect. This will definitely motivate you to achieve your goals. The extra time spent really matters!


2. "ARE YOU SURE YOU NEED ANOTHER BAR OF CHOCOLATE?"

Parents always have good intentions towards keeping their children fit and healthy. If you're worried about what your child eats at home; then use appropriate actions not just words, such as stocking your kitchen with healthy foods rather than junk. Don’t embarrass your child in public by asking questions like “Are you sure you need another bar of chocolate?” Parents should follow the healthy life style first that could ultimately be followed by the children.


 

3. "YOU ALWAYS…" OR "YOU NEVER…"

Indisputably, it's tempting—to spit out an always or a never. Parents should be careful while uttering these two words. "At the heart of 'You always' and 'You never' statements are labels that can stick for life. The strong words by parents create an everlasting impression on children, as it can hamper their confidence to proceed in life.


 

4. "LOOK AT YOUR BROTHER AND SISTER; WHY CAN’T YOU BE LIKE THEM?”

This is quiet natural that children are compared with their siblings all the time. If parents keep saying for example, "Your brother has bagged A grade—why can't you do that?" You are essentially telling your child that you are not capable of scoring better than your sibling. The comparisons of siblings into categories discourage them to work to achieve heights.


5. "DON'T PANIC; THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL WILL BE FINE."

There is nothing wrong if your child is nervous on the first day of school. If you tell your child not to worry, you're dismissing his/her feelings. Children might get panic if they witness their moms being worried. There is no harm in relaxing your child but try not to upset them by saying how much worried you are. Instead of saying "Don't cry" and "Don't be angry,” you can say, "I can see you're worried. Can you tell me what you're most concerned about, so we can talk about it?"


6. “I DON'T LIKE THAT KID."

Parents are usually not happy with certain friends of yours and try to convince you to be reserve from them. The moment you express “I DON’T LIKE THAT KID” for any reason whatsoever, your child becomes more appealing. Initially evaluate what you don't like about that kid. Is he just not your cup of tea, or does he present some sort of danger you don't want your child exposed to? The former option isn’t worrisome, but if it’s latter, try to have an open conversation with your child in order to convince him/ her to end the friendship.

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