The Power of Words

It is theorized that our basic personality is developed and set by the time we are about six years old. Many of us cannot even remember back that far, let alone decipher how our little minds took in information. Well let me tell you how we learned about the world and ourselves. We were virtual sponges. We took in all the information around us and we identified and made associations as each new bit came in, most of which occurred in our experiences. We were open little books, and those who cared for us were filling in our pages with thousands of bits of information that came to be who we are today.

Have you spent anytime listening to how you or others talk to the children in your life. The words that are used with and around children carry a very powerful punch. If not moderated and filtered these words go on to form the personality of that child into adulthood. So our responsibility as parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles even as friends. Is to mindfully choose how we speak to the children and around the children in our lives.

Children often feel as though everything happening around them is "their fault". They internalize the chaos that happens in families and make themselves responsible. It is important to make sure we are always communicating with our children to make sure they don't internalize  adult conversations or things that are said in the chaos of life. Here is a beautiful example of how Dr. Dan Siegel approaches communicating with children.

In a nutshell it is normal for parents to argue. It is normal to have some chaos in our homes. However, what we say to our children or in front of the children must be carefully considered or it an can cause irreparable damage.

Call Allison today for help with your teen 760-223-5311. www.changeseeker.org