What a Difference a Word Makes

My son always asks me "Mommy, are you happy with me?" when he knows that I am upset with him regarding his behavior or action. I am honest with him. If I am not happy with him, I reply with a "No." If I am happy with him, I reply with a "Yes." My "Yes" or "No" to hold  makes all the difference in his mood for the next 5 minutes (because unlike adults, children really do not hold grudges for very long). If he hears me say "No" his face makes a frown and puts his head down. If he hears me say "Yes", his face lights up and goes along bouncing with joy. That has me thinking what a difference a simple word makes in the esteem of a child.

The words you say to your child are powerful beyond measure. During the toddler stage, especially, they are learning who they are within themselves and the world-at-large. We as Mommy's can make or break the spirit of a child. So be careful what words you speak to your child. It will either build them up or tear them down; it will either inspire them or retire them. Speak life to your child!!

From one mom to the next,
Aurellia

WORDS TO BUILD YOUR CHILD UP:

I appreciate you!
You're Special!
You're Awesome!
You Rock!
Amazing!
I love you!
You matter!

Other's People's Kids

Hmmm...I really don't know what to title this blog because there are so many issues surrouding the subject of what happened in my son's preschool class yesterday. The main issue I guess is the behavior of other children in your child's class and what your role as the adult parent witness. Let me explain: Yesterday, I dropped my son off to his preschool class and there on the floor was his classmate. This little boy (we'll call James) was sliding up and down on the floor while the rest of the children were in line to wash their hands before breakfast. Well, James decided to start kicking the other children on the side of their feet. So I decided to tell him to be nice and stop kicking the other children. He then proceeded to spit at me and kick my son. I was thinking in my head, Oh no he did NOT just kick my son. I told him again in a more stern voice using my nicely polished and long pointer finger, "No, No. Stop that!" He just laughed and continued.

You may be asking where we the teachers. They were all there and telling him the same things but in a more non-chalant manner. You also may be asking what was my son's response. My son was just looking at him like "What are you doing?" (lol) And as my son is moving up in the line, James decided to GRAB my son's leg. I was about to lose all the cool that I did have at that point and get for real mama on this little boy. I decided instead to get the director. She came immediately, removed him to another section of the classroom and attempted to calm him down.

So now you may see how there are so many issues to take with this situation: Teacher's discipline in Development Centers, your own child's self-defence tools, your role as another child's parent in the disciplining of another child, etc. I was very upset but felt helpless in the situation because he is not my child. All I could do is get the authorities. But I hear stories all the time of when every child was every person's and you correct where necessary. Needless to say, I was asked to write a letter documenting the episode because this little child was already in danger of being terminated from the center. Since this was not the first time something of this nature has happened, I wonder both why I hadn't heard anything about his behavior and how is he allowed to behave at home? Hmmm...

But here's the thing: My son modeled the same behavior of his this very morning and believe me...it was NOT accepted.

Blessings,
Aurellia