Tag Archives: language

Talk, Listen, Read, Repeat.

The development of vocabulary that happens as a toddler grows is absolutely amazing. Even though Blake is just getting started with words, I am still very excited to be able to witness the miracle of toddler vocabulary development for a second time. As an experienced parent, I know that there are many companies out there who will have you believe that your toddler’s vocabulary will not develop well unless you buy and use their product or educational program. As an experienced parent, I can also tell you that that is simply not true. Parents, not products or programs, are perfectly capable … Continue reading →

For the Strength of Youth Series: Language

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Have you ever noticed that you can tell a LOT about a person by how they speak and what they say? I’m an observer by nature, and I’ve spent a lot of time listening to people and I’ve noticed over and over again that language is a key indicator of the type of person I’m listening to. The For the Strength of Youth pamphlet points out several things about language that I personally appreciate including the statement that “how you speak says much about who you are.” The pamphlet gives some good direction on things you should do regarding language. … Continue reading →

Speaking Your Wife’s Language

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You may be asking yourself, “What does speaking your wife’s language have to do with being a good father?” I remain convinced (for those who are married) that you have to be a good husband first before you can be a good father. Dr. Gary Chapman has written a book entitled, The Five Love Languages. In his book Dr. Chapman lists the five “languages” as 1. Words of Affirmation 2. Quality Time 3. Receiving Gifts 4. Acts of Service 5. Physical Touch I had the privilege of hearing one of Dr. Chapman’s messages at our church back in the 1990’s … Continue reading →

Speaking Your Child’s Language

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Kids have always had their own “lingo” for as long as I can remember. Whether they say, “cool”, “awesome”, or “sweet”, kids have always wanted to use certain words with their friends to show their independence from their parents and their own uniqueness. I used to be a substitute teacher and always found it funny whenever I would use words that the kids were using like “awesome”, or “radical”, the kids would smile and think it was “cool” that their teacher was using their language. There is another language that kids understand very well, that parents would do well to … Continue reading →

Kids Say the Darnedest Things

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The older I get the more it seems time flies by and my children are growing up too fast. My oldest child always did seem to be much older than his actual age. When he was around 10 years old his pet parakeet was acting weird so he picked the bird up in his hands. The bird – a white parakeet, who he had named “Rainbow” because he loved it “more than all the colors of the rainbow” – proceeded to die right in the palm of his little hand. My son was traumatized and was crying uncontrollably. No matter … Continue reading →

A Child Discovers the Power of the Word “No”

For many parents, it can be quite disturbing when their two year-old discovers the word “No”—she says it with such gritty determination. She soon says it all the time, whether she really wants what is being offered or not. My second daughter learned to say the word “No” and then came up with her first “sentence” at the same time: “My do it.” Her determination to be both independent and in control of her life was amazing and exhausting. While she had been somewhat stubborn from birth, when she started to master language, she could be downright contrary. Why does … Continue reading →

Why does it Bother Me when the Ex Refers to the Kids as Ours or His?

We all have our triggers. I find that even though years have passed (or maybe because years have passed) and I have put my divorce and my former life comfortably behind me, I still have some triggers when it comes to my children’s other parent. One of the things that irk me is when he refers to “his” kids or calls them “our” kids. Isn’t that a silly and obvious thing to be getting all worked up about? Alright, so I don’t really get “all worked up” about it, it is more like the grating of fingernails on a chalkboard. … Continue reading →

Watch Out for Words that Put People Off

Words can have a lot of power and I have written a little already about choosing the right words to use in your marketing materials, web site and other written communication. While you are looking out for the right words to use, you can also beware of some of those words that just seem to put people off or send the wrong message. Of course, there is a certain amount of taste and personality involved–some people will react negatively to a word that you think is just dandy. But, as a rule, you should watch out for using words that … Continue reading →

Words That Make Things Worse

As a parent, it really can make a huge difference how we talk to our children—not only what we are saying to them, but how we go about saying. I am of the opinion that there are words and communication strategies that help and those that just make things worse… Confrontational language like “You better!” or “You better not!” is language that tends to be combative and invite disobedience. I also think that the more “negative” words you use when you talk with your child the more likely it is that the conversation or interaction will take a negative turn. … Continue reading →

Are You Passing on Bias with Your Language?

By the time we are adults, most of us don’t give much thought to the words we use or the way we talk–unless we are in a situation where we feel as though we need to be on our best behavior we just “let it all hang out” when we are talking to family and friends. In raising our children, however, we may be passing on biases, racism, and sexism without even realizing just by the language and words we use… “Boys will be boys” or “Isn’t that just like a girl!”; how about “Women drivers!” or “Men never ask … Continue reading →