Family, Self

How To Frame Your Words Without Hurting Your Kids [VIDEO]

As parents, it goes without saying that we just want the best for our children. Being worried about their health is just one of our many concerns. But sometimes, we can say things that don't seem like a big deal but end up really hurting our kids' self-esteem and confidence. When it comes to parenting, we need to be really careful about what we say (and how we say it) because our words can have a lasting effect. There are some things that you just can't take back.

For starters, if you're really worried about your daughter's weight, there's a right way and a wrong way to say it without hurting her feelings. Using the word "fat" can be destructive to her self-esteem unless it's for educational purposes.

According to parenting expert Tara Kennedy Kline, there are certain instances where using the word "fat" is okay, such as:

  • Telling your child that they shouldn't drink too much soda because it will make them fat
  • Pointing out that only drinking soda can lead to diabetes

And other times where it is NOT okay:

  • Making fun of other people for being fat
  • Calling ourselves fat

Doing this can seriously hurt your children because it'll make them wonder if you feel the same way about them. There's no question that body image is a very important, especially for young women. But that doesn't mean that we should totally skirt the issue of dangerous weight gain. The important thing to remember is that how you frame your words can make a major difference.