Words create the future.

No, I’m not being hyperbolic. The words we speak have meaning, and they can set the course of an entire life. Think about the words that were spoken to and about you when you were young. Did they have an impact? Did they mean something to you?

You’ve probably seen or heard stories about people who grew up in troubled homes where “grown ups” in the home constantly belittled and condemned the person. So much so that they started to believe it, and their lives were changed…for the worse.

If you repeat a lie enough then people start to believe it. If you follow the news at all, on either side, then you know it’s true.

But wait. If consistent, negative words often precede and predict negative behaviors, then isn’t the converse also true? Wouldn’t it be safe to say that positive words precede and predict positive behaviors?

“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”

We all chuckle at the refrain from The Help, but the heart behind it is true. We have power to change the future of everyone with whom we interact….especially our kids!

And there’s no downside to this line of thinking. There are enough negative voices in the world that will reach my kids’ ears already. I want to be a consistently positive and reinforcing voice in their lives

Truth be told, they are still figuring out how to listen and obey well, how to be a good friend and sibling, how to be responsible, and how to care for and love others. My words to them when we come upon these teachable moments is, “You are a GOOD listener, which is why it’s disappointing that you chose not to listen.” Or, “You are a good brother, which is why it’s frustrating that you chose to punch him in the face.” Or, “You are responsible, which is why it’s confusing that you didn’t pick up your toys.”

They are works in progress, and so am I, which is why I choose to focus on the version of them that I see they could become. Because I know God is working on me as the version He sees me becoming.

Start in your home in your most important role first, as a parent, and let it trickle into every other role you fill in your life. You will never regret speaking life.

The world need it.

#daddylessons