I debated on what my focus should be: Family or Kids. I did some research and I found that there is tons of information on what to say or not say to your kids but I found nothing on family. So I decided I would stick with, 28 Things Your Family Need to Hear You Say. As I was coming up with this list, I also realized I need to say these things to my hubby just as much as I need to say them to my kids and I wouldn’t mind hearing them myself.
Meaningful words don’t always have to be encouraging phrases addressed to someone. For example, my parents regulary told us ”let’s be generous with our blessings (even though we had little),” that phrase has been foundational in my life.
“Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” ~Mother Theresa
I will use the word “meaningful” often here because I don’t mean just saying “good job”, “you’re super” or “that was nice”, although these words maybe encouraging sometimes there is more value when we find specific and meaningful ways to encourage our children, spouse, siblings. Each person is different so finding those ways that build them up is important.
Using words that build, in our home may mean we need to evaluate our speech. Words like “f— you, or the hell with you” or whatever other profanities come to your mind these are never words that build even if you are not directing them at your child. Your child is still hearing them and they are definitely not building anyone up by using them. So if you have to use them, save them for when you are out with your buddies.
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Meaningful words are also polite words like thank you, please, excuse me, no thank you …, that we should also use with our children and spouse. These words are not just for strangers or friends, it’s important that we incorporate them in our home with our family.
The words we say will teach if we practice what we preach.
“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is
then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being.”
Even though I know the importance of meaningful words, it still takes a lot of discipline on my part to make sure that I am sharing them out loud (not just in my head). I am good at encouraging my kids (for the most part) but I need to work on this when it comes to my husband. Can anyone else relate?
“Silence is not always golden.”
Take a moment and think about the words that have breathed life into your down trodden soul. Those words that lift the spirits of the hurting and give wings to dreams and give hope and guidance to the lost. Words that remind us that good old fashion manners are not a thing of the past. Jot down those meaningful words or phrases and put them on index cards and on a ring if you need the reminder (like I do). My husband recently shared that he wanted us to start praying again in the morning as a couple. Hearing him say “let’s pray” every morning, awakens my soul.
This list could quickly be 10 pages long as I think back to the powerful phrases that built me up as a kid and the things I have heard in my office from other families. What are some other phrases that you would add to this list? I asked my husband this question and his smart alecky self replied “I wish I would have heard my parents say to me, we are going on a European vacation.”
What other words/phrases would you add to the list?
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I really love this! They are all wonderful to hear!
Deirdre,
Thanks, so sweet.
Great post!
PS: Thank you for linking up to Show Me What You Got Tuesday’s @ ODH via: http://ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com/2012/07/live-show-me-what-you-got-linky-party-24.html
Mrs. Delightful
http://www.ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com
Beautiful. Great post. I found you via the Tuesday Talent Show from Chef in Training
I have linked a pizza I did with leftover roast chicken. Have a good week.
Great post, Mari! It’s a great reminder to me to be more intentional in saying these things to my husband as well. I often praise my kids throughout the day but I need to work on encouraging my husband more!
Stephanie, isn’t that funny that praising the kids is much more natural then praising the hubs. Glad it spoked to you, it definitely spoke to me.
great list
Thx Amber.
Wow, what a fabulous list, thank you for the reminder. Will most definitely have to do some of these more!!!
Maggy, glad you enjoyed it! A great reminder for me to have.
its nice to read that and recognise that I say quite a few already, but I could work on somemore.
Yay, keep up the good work!
Great list, Mari! Thanks for the reminder.
Johanna, so glad you stopped by.
I loved this list I printed it out and hung it on my fridge! I also put a link to on my blog post this morning! Love your blog!
http://tipsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/2012/07/5-ways-to-make-your-day-start-right.html
Robyn, I am so glad to hear that. I love to know when our readers are blessed by something they find here!
Love the list and the graphic…good reminder!
K, Thanks, it was good for me to write it out to have a reminder!
Your list is amazing, you are so right – silence is not always golden! Thanks for sharing this at Sunday Blog Love. This will be featured as one of my favorites, wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Terry,
Awww, thanks. I am flattered by the feature!
Wonderful list!
Love these 28 words.. Love to hear and say them all!
Thanks for linking up at Friday Fun Party. Have a nice weekend!
This is a great list of inspirational says for any family to hear. Thanks for sharing.
Smiles, Paula
Thank your for this great reminder!
I love this! Thanks for sharing! I printed it so I can see it often!
Trina