Use Your Words?

If you hang around playgrounds, or soccer moms, or young kids very much you will, no doubt, hear the phrase, “Use Your Words.” When I first heard this I was a bit confused. I thought maybe the kid involved had some special secret words. Upon further observation I noted that parents, mostly moms, were saying this to kids who were expressing emotions in “inappropriate” ways, like hitting or biting their play mates. I guess this is the latest substitute for Dr. Spock. I’m just not sure it’s such a great idea.

Especially when dealing with boy2, words are often insufficient. Kids don’t always have a ton of words at their disposal. I get it that words are probably better than hitting, kicking and bashing. I’m afraid this “Use your words” thing will give kids the idea that words are less harmful. This is like the “Sticks and Stones” thing we grew up with. Even as a kid I knew that words can hurt you. 

In fact, as I review my years, I really can’t recall the negative impact of any of the hits, kicks or bashes I received. However, I still remember with great pain some of the things that were said to me or about me. 

It’s amazing how much the bible has to say about the power of words. Check it out. Let’s not teach our kids that words don’t matter or that they are always the best option. Let’s teach them the power of words: the power to heal, to comfort and to hurt and destroy. Maybe we should be saying, “Use the right words.” instead of “Use  your words.”

Be blessed.

Nick