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The Power of Words
As parents, we sometimes forget how powerful our words to our children really can be. We often find ourselves in “expert” parent mode, and forget to really listen. Sometimes we use way too many words.
Several years ago, while playing a dinner question game, I read a question aloud, “What is the toughest thing you have ever been through?” My (then) four-year old thought for a minute and said, “Trying to make a letter “W”. Not what I expected.
We parents like to fix things, teach things, and be the expert. On this particular day, however, eye- to- eye, I said, “Yes, letter W’s can be very tough.” Silence. Fighting the urge to get out a pencil and paper to show her to make sure she was quickly taught, I continued to listen. She shared how frustrating it is, and I listened. We had a good conversation about how hard some things can be. While I cannot say I always successfully catch the moment…on that day, I did.
I didn’t miss it. I was in the moment. She will probably not remember that conversation, but I am hoping I am constantly planting seeds with my children that –
1. I care
2. They can talk to me about anything
3. That I know how to compassionately listen
My thought has been, if I really listen to the “small” things now, they will tell me the “Big” things later. ( I hope)! That conversation could have easily been squelched, dismissed, minimized, or deflected. As parents, our words are so powerful. We have the power to invite conversation from our kids or discourage it. We don’t have to have all the answers. A little understanding and listening go a long way.
Don’t discount the power of your words!
