Words can help children feel good about themselves, or they can be discouraging. Over time children tend to live up to their labels.
On the left are negative terms you may use or hear others use in talking about children. On the right are some suggestions for words to use instead.
Instead of thinking your child is…
- hyperactive or wild
- loud
- impulsive
- distractible
- a daydreamers
- inattentive
- stubborn
- irritable
- aggressive
- disordered
Try thinking of your child as…
- energetic
- enthusiastic
- spontaneous
- creative, perceptive
- imaginative
- global thinker with a wide focus
- flexible
- independent
- committee, persistent
- sensitive
- assertive
- unique