Loving the Little Years Review and Giveaway: Words and Kitchen Knives

(This week I'm taking a look at Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic.  This short book is crammed full of helpful perspectives as well as practical thoughts on parenting.  I have something highlighted on nearly every page of the book.  Each post this week is going to focus on a thought from the book to give you a glimpse into the kind of things you'll find in it.  I'm also giving a copy away, so check out the details at the bottom of the page to get entered to win!)

Kids pick up on everything, including what we say.  I've been shocked lately by how often I hear myself in one of Isaac's comments or even just the tone in which he says something.

Have you ever wondered what to do with words like "stupid" and "dumb" and other words that aren't necessarily bad, but also aren't something that you want your kids saying?  Is it hypocritical to use those words in front of them and then tell them they can't say them?  Is it better to drop the words from my vocabulary entirely?  But they'll likely still hear the words out and about... do I really want someone else "teaching" them how to use those words?  The Bible uses strong language... some even stronger than these, what do I do with that?

Rachel lays out a very practical thought that has stuck with me.  These words are like kitchen knives.  They are fine for adults who handle them safely, but they can be dangerous for kids.  This assumes that the adult IS using the words appropriately.  (For example, not calling PEOPLE stupid and dumb, etc.)  But it also gives children a chance to observe language being used appropriately.  We can forbid them to say the words while they are young, just like we can forbid them to play with knives or cross the street by themselves.  But with time and as they mature and can handle the words responsibly, they can be allowed to use it in conversation.

Obviously this is not as likely to work for the youngest of kids who repeat everything without understanding what they're saying, but it took a perplexing question for me and shed some light on how we can handle it in our family.  :)

This is just a peek at what you'll find in Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches.  Would you like to win a copy?  Just enter the giveaway below by Thursday, July 5th at Midnight.  We'll announce the giveaway winner sometime on Friday, July 6th.

How do you handle words that aren't awesome for little ones to be saying, but aren't necessarily bad in your home?

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