Words hold a lot of power for children, they shape who they are and who they become. Yet 41% of children experience verbal abuse by adults, which can lead to lasting damage. Jessica Bondy, founder of Words Matter, discusses how by using positive, encouraging language we can build a child’s confidence and help them flourish. Let’s build children up with our words, not knock them down. Words matter.

 

Read Jessica’s article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/the-power-of-words-how-adult-language-shapes-a-childs-future/

 

This episode is in partnership with Words Matter:

At Words Matter, we are committed to creating societal and behavioural change by addressing and ending childhood verbal abuse. We know that most adults don’t intend to harm children with their words - but many underestimate the lasting impact they can have. Help us inspire action and make a difference to children’s lives today and for years to come.

 

Visit www.wordsmatter.org for support, guidance, and resources to help create a world where children hear the words that build them up – not knock them down.

 

Listen to more:

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like:

·       Proactively promoting positive mental health – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/proactively-promoting-positive-mental-health/ 

·       Growth mindset in early childhood – Matt Bawler – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/growth-mindset-in-early-childhood-2/

·       Supporting behaviour: Reaction vs response – Cheryl Warren – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/supporting-behaviour-reaction-vs-response/

 

Get in touch and share your voice:

Do you have thoughts, questions or feedback? Get in touch here! – https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/contact/

 

Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome! 02:00 – Ending verbal abuse of children by adults 05:00 – What do you want your legacy to be? 08:00 – The power of reaching out & collaboration 10:00 – Research into child verbal abuse 11:30 – Unintentional abuse with huge impacts 14:00 – Top 5 most hurtful phrases 15:00 – The most helpful phrases: Growth mindset 17:00 – 5 ways of supporting children through our language 20:00 – Not criticising the person but the behaviour 21:40 – The power of the pause 22:20 – Repair: It is never too late to put things right 24:00 – Breaking the cycle of abusive language 29:00 – Triggers from childhood 33:00 – Self-protection & fight or flight 35:00 – Children remember how adults label them 36:00 – Supporting children with neurodivergence 39:00 – Verbal abuse is not just about shouting 39:45 – Reflections to takeaway & further resources

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com