Mean what you say

Are you the kind of person who means what you say? This is something I sometimes ask a child when they are resolving a conflict. It is a powerful phrase! In modeling this, am I the kind of person who means what I say? Children feel valued and respected when adults mean what they say. Have you ever promised your child that they could have ice cream the next day but then when that day came and went, the child forgot all about it and you felt no need to bring it up. However, if you made a point to remember – even if the child forgot – you are letting your child know that you are a person who means what you say. You are a person I can trust. You are a person I can respect. I feel valued and acknowledged. So whether you are trying to teach accountability or set limits always ask yourself “am I the kind of person who means what I say.”