Parenting Caution

Kids learn language easily. The parent asks “Do you want to eat?” and, soon after, food appears. The child learns that eat or food means the end of his hunger.

Same thing with drink and his thirst. And so on.

But then there are some more complex or vague concepts that they don’t always catch. Sometimes, the parent needs to explain what he means. Otherwise, the child’s way of learning language – associating a feeling or result with the word or phrase uttered just before that – might not work.

For example, the phrase Be Careful.

As a parent, you should never say that phrase. Instead, say something specific. What, exactly, do you want your child to do or not do?

Here is an illustration of why be careful is ineffective.

image of a parent saying be careful and the child hearing what you are doing is fun

If you, as a parent, always say “Be careful!” when your risk-loving child is about to do something risky, he will interpret that phrase as meaning “what you are about to do is fun and thrilling!”.

Heed instruction and be wise, And do not neglect it.

Proverbs 8:33

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This little article thingy was written by Some Guy sometime around 6:37 am and has been carefully placed in the Ponder category.

One Response to “Parenting Caution”

  1. Jan Moyer Says:

    Excellent point.
    “Don’t lick your brother”
    “Don’t lick the door handle”
    “Don’t lick me”

    I have to be very specific around here ;)

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