Words go from your mouth into your child's psyche, heart and mind - so be careful with them. As much as possible, avoid using a negative word. For instance, when you see your 5 year old teasing the toddler, you can ask him to "play nicely" but it's best to refrain from saying any of the following: "You're being mean to her." "Don't be mean to her." "What you're doing right now is mean." "That was mean." "You're acting mean." You see, it doesn't matter HOW you say a negative word, because no matter HOW you say it, once you say it, the negative word becomes attached to the child's core identity where it shapes future behavior, distorts personality and initiates destructive physical, mental and emotional processes. So find a nice way to make all of your requests and corrections, describing what you WANT rather than what you don't want and using respectful, kind and positive words.
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