Parent Speak Quotes

“Sticks and stones may break bones, but words can shatter souls. Choose wisely.”
― Jennifer Lehr, ParentSpeak: What's Wrong with How We Talk to Our Children--and What to Say Instead

“Every time you talk to a child you are adding a brick to define the relationship that is being built between the two of you.”
― Jennifer Lehr, ParentSpeak: What's Wrong with How We Talk to Our Children--and What to Say Instead

“Children’s behavior that we find disruptive or hurtful isn’t “mis” anything. We may find it annoying, troubling, or infuriating, but it isn’t intrinsically “bad” or “wrong.” On the contrary, a child’s behavior is exceedingly accurate. It is at once a true expression of their need at a particular moment as well as a reflection of their current ability to meet that need.”
― Jennifer Lehr, ParentSpeak: What's Wrong with How We Talk to Our Children--and What to Say Instead

“Every time you talk to a child you are adding a brick to define the relationship that is being built between the two of you. And each message says something to the child about what you think of him. He gradually builds up a picture of how you perceive him as a person. Talk can be constructive to the child and to the relationship or it can be destructive.”
― Jennifer Lehr, ParentSpeak: What's Wrong with How We Talk to Our Children--and What to Say Instead