The Power of “F” Words and your Kids
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The Power of “F” Words and your kids
I thought I would have a little fun with that title. I figured it would get some attention. That proves one of my points: The power of words.
Around our house, we throw words around non stop. Some encourage; some give life, and unfortunately, others tear down. Sometimes, we use them to make a drastic point.
This week I wanted to share a few words that are empowering and life-giving in our home.
Fun: As a father of an 11-year-old princess and a 9-year-old master builder, creativity, adventure, and “fun” is common. I, however as a Dad, have to remind myself to let go of responsibilities to roll in the fun they’ve created. Working from my private studio allows me the chance to see daily events unfold in real time. I remind myself often that this is the last year they will be this age. I need to stop, get on their level, and serve them in their own individual language. Are we looking for ways to have fun or are we spending most of the time saying no and what not to do? I’d love to go to bed knowing I empowered and verbally rewarded my children more than saying no.
Faith: This one is paramount. God is the head of this house. Not me. It has structured our lives to know our days, weeks, months, and years are a gift. Days at the beach. Days at Disneyland. Mornings sitting around the breakfast table talking about what we are thankful for. All these things and more are gifts.
Friday: The word Friday is a powerful one around our house as it signals “Family Night.” We hunker down for dinner and a movie and chill time. The kids look forward to this night the whole week.
Funny: Raising kids is hands down one of the most challenging things Chantel and I have ever done. We say how glad we are to have each other when the days are tough. The only way I know to keep it light is to be funny. I either do my famous chicken dance in the kitchen or some embarrassing performance that makes the kids run.
Fart: That word right there might be one of the most powerful words ever. Say it anywhere and your kids will smile. If we are having a bad day and are expected to take a picture that will last a lifetime, just say the word and everyone smiles. It works every time.
Listen, the most powerful muscle in the human body is the tongue. It has the power to give life or take it away. My personal goal is to be slow to speak, quick to listen, and careful to craft what I’m about to say.
How have you seen the power of words have a positive and negative influence with your kids? Please leave a comment below and share this post with others!
Recent comments
Moon 9 years ago
Well said my Brother…..Think it…Be it…Share it!
Noah 9 years ago
Moon, thanks man. Hope all is well!
Pablo 9 years ago
I believe this is soo true! This advice will help alot when I have my own kids. My parents have always told me no when I was a kid, my dad was always over protective when we were to visit someone else’s home. We couldnt go and play outside because “we might get hurt” we cant always prevent everything. And if we fall we learn from our mistakes. I am going to share this with my parents now that Im an adult, and so I know how I can manage and balance moods and fun when I have kids of my own
Noah 9 years ago
Pablo, I love this comment. Thanks for sharing!
Karen 9 years ago
Tagging on to what Pablo commented.. “Failing… forward”, or, making it okay to make mistakes knowing that’s how we learn and grow – so important for kids self worth and learning to be risk takers, resilient and willing to make their best effort even if others may not give the most supportive feedback. In essence, kids can’t fail when mistakes are seen as positive. Love the blog message, Noah!
Noah 9 years ago
Karen, appreciate the comment. Agree, failure doesn’t have to be a “negative”. It’s a great teacher.
thomas 9 years ago
With 4 kids 8 and under and so close in age there isn’t a whole lot of time for a single voice to be heard! Choosing my words carefully is a must. Thank you for continuing to inspire.