As parents and even teachers, it can be easy to default to certain phrases that we heard as children. Research has shown over the years that words truly matter and some slight changes can completely change the outcome that we’re looking for. Here are some examples. 

Instead of:                                             Try:

“Be quiet.”                                              “Can you use a softer voice?”

“What a mess!”                                       “It looks like you had fun! How can we clean up?

“Do you need help?”                              “I’m here to help if you need me.”

“I explained how to do this yesterday.”   “Maybe I can show you another way.”

“Do I need to separate you?”                 “Could you use a break?”

“Stop crying.”                                         “It’s okay to cry.”

“Do you have any questions?”              “What questions do you have?”

“You’re okay.”                                         “How are you feeling?”

“It’s not that hard.”                                  “You can do hard things.”

Which ones will you try with someone you love today?

Reading out loud to your child can not only be a great way to bond, but it can be a great way for your child to learn to read or hold on to those skills they learned this past year and avoid the summer slide. Here are some great books that your child might enjoy.

1. Holes By Louis Sachar (Ages 10+)
2. Charlotte’s Web By E. B. White (Ages 8+)
3. The Secret Garden By Frances Hodgson Burnett (Ages 7+)
4. James and the Giant Peach By Roald Dahl (Ages 6+)
5. The Giver By Lois Lowry (Ages 10+)
6. The Harry Potter Series By J.K. Rowling (Ages 9+)
7. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory By Roald Dahl (Ages 8+)
8. Because of Winn-Dixie By Kate DiCamillo (Ages 8+)
9. The Boxcar Children By Gertrude Chandler Warner (Ages 6+)
10. Where the Sidewalk Ends By Shel Silverstein (Ages 4+)

As we raise kids in this digital age, it seems as though manners can fall by the wayside. Here is a helpful list that can help serve as a reminder of what manners might be most important as children grow up. 

1. Say “Please” when asking
2. Say “Thank you” when receiving
3. Say “Excuse me” after bumping into someone
4. Put down your electronics when someone enters the room
5. Look people in the eye when speaking
6. Let others finish before you speak
7. Shake hands firmly
8. Say “Yes Ma’am and Yes Sir” when talking to grownups
9. Greet people with “Hi” and “How are you?”
10. Open Doors for others