How We Talk To Our Children Matters

The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice -  Peggy O’Mara

Why does how we talk to our children matter so much?

As parents, our words are far more than instructions or corrections — they become the quiet, guiding voice inside our children’s minds. How we talk to our children matters! Young children absorb everything, from the way we phrase things, the tone we use, and the patience (or impatience) we show.

When we speak kindly and respectfully to young children, we teach them to speak kindly and respectfully to themselves.

We lay the foundation for resilience, confidence, and compassion.

Here are five simple ways to nurture a healthy, positive inner voice in your toddler:

Speak at Their Eye Level

Physically lower yourself to your child’s height when speaking. This non-verbal act of respect encourages trust and connection.

Consistently Use Polite Language

Incorporate “please,” “thank you,” “I’m sorry,” and “excuse me” into your everyday conversations, so that they adopt these social skills naturally.

Listen More Than You Lecture

Instead of jumping into “teaching mode,” pause, listen, and ask questions like, “What do you think we should do?” to encourage their own thinking and expression.

Model Calm, Even When Frustrated

Narrate your own feelings and show how you manage them: “I’m upset, so I’m taking a deep breath.” Your reactions become their emotional guidebook.

Encourage Cooperation, Not Commands

Invite help instead of issuing orders. Try phrases like “Can you help me tidy up?” or “Let’s put the blocks away together!” to foster teamwork and respect.

Every gentle conversation, every patient pause, every moment you model kindness builds your child’s future self-talk.

By treating young children with courtesy and empathy today, we nurture confident, compassionate adults for tomorrow.