10 Phrases We Should Not Tell Your Child

Words can mark our child’s life more than anything we do. That’s why it’s important to be careful with words we shouldn’t say to the child, even when we’re losing patience. One inappropriate word can hurt you for life. Certain phrases should never be said by parents to their children.

All words have consequences, some positive and some negative, so we want to show you which phrases should be avoided as much as possible when addressing your children:
“Forbidden” words and phrases for parents:

1. “I’ll do it for you”

As a parent it is natural that you want to take control of the situation and make your child’s life simpler. However, using this phrase when doing homework, household chores or any everyday activity can make your child unusable in some way. It’s better that you accompany him when doing things rather than doing it for them. 

2. We shouldn’t tell the child, “Don’t cry”

Especially when it comes to boys, it is very common to hear this phrase from some parents. This behavior is unhealthy because they will learn to swallow their emotions. Avoid blaming your children for expressing their feelings of sadness or frustration through crying.

3. “Why don’t you look like your sister or brother anymore?”

Comparisons are hateful at any point in our lives, so why use them to make our kids feel bad? Replace this type of phrase with others that emphasize all the virtues and qualities that make you unique. That way he will feel that he respects and admires him as a human being.

4. “Bread we must tell the son I promise You that…”

One mistake that is made in being a parent is to use these words without having the intention or the assurance of doing something. A broken promise to a child is a sign that he cannot trust you as much as he believed. Use phrases like “I’ll try…. ” or “I will strive to do this” so that your children don’t deceive themselves more than they should.

5. Speak ill of others

You can use many phrases to call someone names and this can influence your children’s future behavior. Always remember that you are the role model, and that they will imitate anything you do or say. If you want children to speak respectfully to others, start doing it yourself.

6. “Why am I talking”

This phrase is quite cliché and is used to not justify any of their attitudes. Try not to use this phrase and always give good arguments to explain your actions. If there is no valid reason, children will find no reason to stop behaving badly.

7. We should not say to the child, “Shut up”

It’s a phrase that shouldn’t be used for anyone, let alone your children. In addition to being rude words, they attack a child’s ability to express themselves and generate hostility in any situation. Instead, point out and teach when to keep silent and when you can talk without a problem.

8. “You are so… (any adjective with negative connotation)

In times of anger, you can say phrases like these that reinforce an unpleasant feeling in your children. Giving them a negative designation often can cause them to begin to believe they are what you say. Use these phrases only to highlight your strengths and talents that you have, it will strengthen your self-esteem.

9. “You’ll see when your father (or mother) gets home”

This is a phrase that is regularly used to announce a punishment that will be imposed by the father or mother as soon as he gets home. Why not say? It’s simply a sign of shaky authority and therefore demonstrates that you don’t know how to handle a situation. When a behavior is left uncorrected on the spot, the child will forget what he did and it won’t mean much to him. Another reason is that you may create a negative image of the father or mother, to the point of being afraid of them.

10. We must not say to the child, “Leave me alone”

Maybe at some point you have to say that, and that’s fine. But when it’s used repeatedly, your kids may interpret that they’re in your way when they talk to you which will cause them to distance themselves little by little. If you’re in the middle of a stressful situation, let them know that this might not be the best time to talk. When you feel better, go to them and share your family time.