*This post was inspired by the Momalom 5 for 5′s topic of the day, Words. Also, today’s 5 for 5 is done in conjunction with Just Write.
“Use. Your. Words.”
I say this phrase to my kids a billion times a week or so I think. I mean, say how you feel, don’t hit your brother in frustration. I mean, tell me what you want, don’t just cry. I mean use a whole sentence when you are asking me for something, please don’t just grunt. I am trying to help them understand the power of words. That words can hurt and heal, show love, encourage hate, teach, comfort, calm, inspire and so much more.
Last night I was thinking about how often I ask my boys to use their words, and in the randomness that is my brain I realized that I need to use my words more too. I need to use them here on this blog, I need to recognize the changes I will find in myself if I just use my words to explore where I want to be. Some days I need to just write, like Heather of The Extraordinary Ordinary encourages her readers to do. As I put pen fingers to paper keyboard, I’m pretty sure I’ll learn a lot about this evolving person that I am. Maybe I’ll finally start to believe that I can do what I want to do, even if the road will be a bit winding and uphill. Just maybe using my words will help me find my answers.
Featured image, Words © Pierre Metivier, Flickr Creative Commons
11 Responses to “Use Your Words”
Sometimes, I have to remember to use my words with them, too–kind words, not short ones. And with my husband. Still getting the hang of that.
Yes, that is something I need to work on too. Thinking about how I am an example to them, good and bad.
How true! I have heard many of my friends telling their kids to “use your words” and although I never had to with our son (he was an early talker, and has always been good at expressing himself verbally), I am thinking I will need to use this technique with his sister who is just learning to talk.
And I agree with you on how we ourselves need to also work on using our words, instead of simply shutting down in frustration. I find myself telling myself in bouts of frustration over potty-training issues, to just kneel down and talk with my 3.5 yr-old on his level, rather than yell at him. The more I am able to do that, the better he does. Now if I could only remember to do it each and every time, things would be perfect, right?
Absolutely, instant perfection
yes, yes, ….. use your words to discover how to grow……perfect idea.
Thanks!
So true! Words are powerful, they can do all kinds of stuff, so we have to learn to use them right.
I say that to my daughter too. When she was 20mos or so, she obviously didn’t have a huge vocabulary, so whenever I would say “use your words” she would parrot back to me, “woords”
It was very cute.
But back on topic… so many of the lessons we try to teach our kids can certainly be turned around on us. This parenting gig is humbling.
Humbling is exactly right. So many lessons you learn as a parent.
It’s so challenging, isn’t it? To take the time to find our OWN words and to get the OUT of our heads. We ask our kids to do this everyday, we teach them and teach them and teach them. It’s exhausting. I think I run out of energy when it’s finally MY turn, you know?
BTW…you’re fast, girl. I’m checking out your last interval workout down there in the widget. Way to go!
LOL, I’m not usually very fast, that was me trying pretty hard. It’s fun to occasionally push myself!