By Dr. Rebecca Ngoholve Vesuwe
Words have great power; they can be uplifting or depressing, beneficial or harmful. A child’s self-worth is shaped by the words they hear from the adults around them. These are parents, teachers, and other carers. Their worldview and future chances for success are also influenced by these words. Positive words can greatly impact a child’s emotional development. They build the foundation for resilience. They also promote self-assurance and well-being throughout life.
The formation of a child’s self-image is among the most significant outcomes of positive language. Children internalize the lessons they are given about themselves from a young age. When an adult tells a kid, “I believe in you,” or “You are capable of great things,” the child starts to see the possibilities in themselves. Children who hear positive affirmations are more likely to believe that they are capable and worthwhile people. This is particularly crucial when a child is still developing since at that time, their sense of self is still developing and is susceptible to outside influences.
Speaking positively to kids also helps them develop a growth mentality. Child-friendly statements such as “You worked really hard on this” or “Mistakes help us learn” encourage kids to take on new challenges and see setbacks as chances for improvement. In addition to being essential for scholastic achievement, this way of thinking fosters a love of learning and a positive outlook on life. No wonder the bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). When children receive praise for their efforts rather than merely their accomplishments, they learn to accept failure as a necessary component of learning and form a positive relationship with it. Self-concept is fragile and susceptible to outside input.
A good advice by St Paul says: “Fathers, do not embitter your children or they will become discouraged” (Colossians 3:21). Kind words influence a child’s interactions with others as well as their internal environment. Children learn to interact with peers and adults in a polite, respectful, and encouraging manner when they are spoken to in these similar manners. They develop greater empathy, self-assurance in their ability to communicate, and social skills. On the other side, kids who hear disparaging or judgemental remarks a lot could experience insecurity, which makes it harder for them to build positive relationships.
It’s also critical to understand that encouraging words have a long-lasting effect on mental health. When a child is experiencing stress, worry, or self-doubt, supportive words can provide them with consolation and certainty. Reminding a child that “it’s okay to be nervous, you’re brave for trying,” for example, helps them learn emotional intelligence and control their emotions. Long-term, this technique helps youngsters develop emotional resilience, which makes it easier for them to handle difficulties. On the other hand, hurtful or thoughtless remarks can cause severe emotional damage. Children who get constant criticism, insulting, or dismissive words may grow up to have low self-esteem and mistrust their own skills. A child raised in a negative atmosphere may have anxiety, despair, or self-doubt in the future. As a result, when we speak to kids, we should consider the long-term consequences of the words we use.
In conclusion, it is impossible to overstate the importance of telling kids kind things. Children’s self-perception, response to problems, and interactions with the outside world are shaped by these words. We assist youngsters in developing into self-assured, resilient, and compassionate adults by deliberately providing support, recognising their accomplishments, and applauding their efforts. Our words of encouragement today leave a lasting impression on their hearts and thoughts. I leave us with these golden words from the bible: Fathers, do not Provoke your children to anger, but bring them up with the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).
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