Words Kids Need to Hear: To Help Them Be Who God Made Them to Be

by David Staal

Words matter. Words can build up, or words can tear down. As parents and church leaders, do we use our words well? Words Kids Need to Hear offers compelling, yet simple ways to build up the hearts of children through meaningful and well-chosen words. What children hear from adults they trust makes a significant impact―now and for years to come.Words Kids Need to Hear offers an easy-to-follow learning path. Each of the seven chapters focuses on a single statement kids need to hear from parents, children’s workers, and other close adults. These seven statements are simple to share, yet guaranteed to make a profound impact on a child’s life. They • I Believe in You• You Can Count on Me• I Treasure You• I’m Sorry, Please Forgive Me• Because• No• I Love YouEach chapter seeks to educate first, equip, and then motivate to action. Words Kids Need to Hear helps parents and children’s workers use words to build up the hearts of elementary-age children, resulting in closer parent-child relationships that pave a path toward a relationship with God.

Genres: Parenting, Childrens, Relationships, Church

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2008

Reviews

[Alex Valencic · Rating 4 out of 5]

While not a parent, I am an uncle, a teacher, and a Cub Scout leader. I am around children all the time and found this book a refreshing reminder of core statements I ought to be intentionally using regularly. Words such "I believe in you," "you can count on me," "I treasure you," "I'm sorry," and "I love you." Dave Staal also reminds us to use opportunities to explain why we expect specific things of children and to be definitive when telling them no.

This book is classified as being "Christian life" but, honestly, it is appropriate for everyone and anyone.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

We just say what comes to our minds at the time. We just say what makes us laugh. We just say something and don't realize its lifelong impact. And it does have lifelong impact.

Think about the stuff people, especially your parents or teachers, have said over the years. Did it affect you? You bet. For positive or negative the words we absorb nourish our brain and provide us with courage to try new things or the fear to avoid them.

This book is for anyone who cares about children and wants their words to really count and not just be something they said. David Staal takes the time to help adults understand the strength carried within our words and the difference they make.

He devotes one chapter to each expression and then gives tools to enable anyone to begins saying valuable, life nourishing words.

The words are:
- I Believe in You
- You Can Count on Me
- I Treasure You
- I'm Sorry, Please Forgive Me
- Because
- No
- I Love You

If I could, I would give this book to every parent, every teacher, and every coach who spends time with kids. We know from personal experience how important words really are. Why not get empowered and prepared to help kids, rather than harm them by just saying something without thinking?

[Michael Tarpinian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Met Dave Staal my last time at Camp Paradise with my youngest daughter. It is kind of cool to read a book populated with people i know and places I have been, and activities I have shared with my daughters.



It was especially cool to get a conclusion to the Wally (Marshall) and Noah story. I saw their names on a Boys Camp banner from a previous year and always wondered what the rest of the story was. Now I found out that Noah's Dad, Jeff died and Wally committed to w there for the kid.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book was well-written and easy to read. The words would be easy to present to a secular group, also, although it's particularly well done in a religious context in this book.

I liked his use of personal stories to illustrate what he means.

I have a few minor quibbles with things that he says, but in general I think he says good things and backs it up well.

[Jason Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once you get used to the very American slant to the book it's a decent read, with some good advice, especially in the later chapters.

However, I can't help but feel the whole book is just a glorified blog with a lot of filler added in.

[Gina Mcclain · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book every parent should read

[Dionne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good reminder for parents.

[Eric Reidsma · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of people should read this - including me. It's never to late to learn more.

[Kim Williams]

Excellent!