We must never underestimate the impact we have on children. My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Ladd once told me that I was a special little girl. Those words remained with me all my life. On the flip side, there are adults who verbally abuse children, making them feel unworthy and less of a person. We must remember that children grow up and they do remember you and how you made them feel, so before you fix your mouth to curse out, belittle, or criticize a child, just remember that your worlds could sink so deep that they go into the subconsciousness and cause the child to believe what you say, and thus bring it about.
The same is true of positive words. So knowing this, let’s continue to uplift our children, calling them great, wonderful, smart, delightful and pleasant girls and boys of God. Trust me, they remember your words.
Please share your own childhood experiences or experiences that you have had with children.
Hi Dr. Merritt,
ReplyDeleteMy 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Melba James, had a lasting impact on my life. She ingrained in me the fact that it's what's on the inside that counts. She was the one who taught me that "Pretty is as pretty does". I never forgot her message and I have taught my children the same. B. Knighton
I had a caregiver that I loved dearly always call me sh** color. It confused my as a child, but once I was older I realized that she never wanted me to feel like I was better than anyone else because of the fairness of my skin. But then again, I can always see the positive in every situation :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Dr. Knighten,
ReplyDeleteHow are you? I hope you are well. Thank you for posting on my blog. Your teacher was correct, “Pretty is as pretty does”. I was an adult when I began to understand the saying. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to post on my blog. Have wonderful day and keep smiling!
Mia
Hi Mia,
ReplyDeleteMy fourth grade teacher, Ms. Cohen, had a positive effect on my life. In fact, she inspired me to become a teacher. She always told me that I was smart and that I could be anything I wanted to be. At first, I wanted to be a doctor, but later decided I wanted to help children read and learn and feel good about themselves. I will always rememebr the kindness she showed throughout my elementary years and especially after my dad died when I was ten years old. I have lost touch with her but would do anything to get in touch with her again.
Gwen
I remember two comments made towards me by two very different teachers. Ms. Clinch, my 4th grade teacher told me that I was smart and if I continued to stay on the right path she could see me being voted homecoming queen in high school. I remember her being a caring teacher with whom I enjoyed learning from. Reflecting on my childhood now I believed Ms. Clinch was intuitive enough to recognize my insecurities and some of the other issues I dealt with at home. I've never forgotten her words since that day that day. (Although once I became of age and realized what a prom queen actually was, I had no interest in running).
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, an art teacher made a very sarcastic comment towards me. Upon turning in my paper I always wrote my name in the right hand corner then drew a rectangle around it. He told me, Don't waste time doing that, your name does not need a fence because its not going to run away. Needless to say, everyone laughed and made fun of me. I never again repeated that action.
Words take on a life of their own upon parting one's lips. Young and old, rich and poor, weak and strong; positive and negative experiences are a part of life. Make it a priority to encourage and uplift at every given opportunity.