Hey there, mama! Let's chat about something that can make a world of difference in your parenting journey: the power of words. You might have heard folks say that words don't matter, that you can say anything, and it won't make a difference. But that's simply not true. Words are our most powerful tool as parents, and using them wisely can shape how our children respond to us.
You see, kids, especially the little ones, have incredibly short attention spans. Even getting them to pay attention for a minute is a big ask. So, when we talk to them, we need to be crystal clear with our words. Let's break it down together.
Simple Words for Little Minds
Imagine you're at a dinner with a group of friends, and one couple has two young children. Someone who doesn't have kids asks, "How do you teach young children important things like not hitting their siblings?" It's a great question because little kids don't understand complex concepts like "don't hit."
Here’s a tip to try this week: For children aged zero to five, their brains think in black and white. They say things like "I love you" and "I hate you" to the same person in one day. They might hate broccoli today but love it tomorrow. This black-and-white thinking is how they process the world.
When you want to communicate with a very young child, use simple, black-and-white language. For example, show them a piece of ripe, tasty fruit and say, "This is good." Show them a rotten piece of fruit and say, "This is bad." They can understand this clear, visual distinction. It’s straightforward and fits their level of understanding.
Avoid Overloading Their Little Brains
Explaining too much can overwhelm a young child's brain. Think of their brain like a small cup. If you pour too much information in, it overflows, and they tune out. This happens to adults too. So, imagine how often kids end up ignoring us because we've said too much.
If your child is between 18 months to four years old, it's crucial to talk to them in a way their brain can process. Stick to clear, simple words like "good" and "bad." Anything more complex can stress them out and train them to ignore us.
Moving to Right and Wrong
As kids get a bit older, they can start to understand more complex ideas like "right" and "wrong." But here's the thing: right and wrong are value-based concepts. What's right for one person might not be right for another. So, when you start using these words, you're introducing your family’s value system.
Every family needs a value system – principles we stand by, like kindness and forgiveness. But we have to be careful not to rush into using terms like "right" and "wrong" with very young children. They need to understand the basics first: good and bad. Once they're ready, they’ll start asking "Why?" That's your cue to introduce more complex ideas.
Tips for This Week
Here’s a practical exercise for you this week. Pay attention to the words you use with your child. Are they clear? Are they too advanced? Start with simple terms like "good" and "bad." Remember, if your child starts ignoring you, it’s a sign you might be saying too much.
As they grow and show curiosity, you can move to concepts like "right" and "wrong." Just make sure they’re ready and understand your family’s values.
Encouragement and Support
Parenting is a journey, and every child is different. If you find yourself struggling with communication or need customized support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Schedule a discovery call with me, and let's work together to reach your parenting goals.
Remember, mama, your words have power. Use them wisely and watch your little ones grow and thrive.
Until next time, take care and keep it simple!
Warmly,
Loyla
