What Parents Should And Shouldn’t Say To Their Children

Last Updated:March 07, 2025, 16:58 IST

Often, in moments of anger or haste, parents may say things that can negatively affect their child’s mental growth. In contrast, positive words can boost their confidence and shape their personality well into adulthood

The words parents use during childhood have a profound impact on a child’s heart and mind. Often, in moments of anger or haste, parents may say things that can negatively affect their child’s mental growth. In contrast, positive words can boost their confidence and shape their personality well into adulthood.

Mindful communication in parenting is crucial. Here are 10 phrases that leave a lasting impression on children; both those that uplift and those best avoided.

What Should Be Said?

1. You Can Do It: Encourages confidence and resilience in facing challenges.
2. You Are Very Special To Us: Reinforces their sense of value and belonging.
3. Trying Is The Key To Success: Instils perseverance and a strong work ethic.
4. Mistakes Help You Learn: Teaches them to embrace failures as learning opportunities.
5. Always Tell The Truth; We Are With You: Builds honesty and self-reliance.

What Should Not Be Said?

1. You Will Never Be Able To Do Anything: Damages self-esteem and fosters self-doubt.
2. You Must Always Listen To Me: Suppresses independent thinking and self-expression.
3. Why Aren’t You Like Others?: Comparisons create inferiority complexes and self-doubt.
4. Stop Crying, You’re Not Weak: Discourages emotional expression and increases mental stress.
5. You Always Do Things Wrong: Promotes negativity and stifles creativity.

Carefully chosen words shape a child’s emotional and mental development. A confident and happy child thrives on love, encouragement, and positive conversations.