In her most recent article for The Week, entitled “6 Powerful Phrases Every Parent Should Use,” journalist and CALA Writing instructor Estelle Erasmus reminds parents of the importance of the language they use when speaking to their children. Erasmus draws upon her own experiences with her daughter to suggest that by adding some thoughtfully-composed phrases to their repertoire, parents have the power to strengthen their child’s emotional toolkit. The list begins with, “I’m proud of you. But you should also be proud of yourself.” More than just a congratulatory expression, this formulation prioritizes the child’s own sense of achievement and, as Erasmus writes, “lets the child own the success, instead of depending on outside validation.” The five phrases that follow are similarly designed to build confidence, encourage creativity, and instill a sense of personal responsibility. At the same time, they get parents into the habit of approaching conversations more critically given the weight of their words.
Read the full article here: https://theweek.com/articles/880354/6-powerful-phrases-every-parent-should-use
This Spring, Estelle will be teaching an online course, WRITING PARENTHOOD: WRITING FOR A GROWING MARKET , starting March 2nd. Registration is now open, so don’t delay!