Sterling Terrell

recovering economist

It’s About More Than Your Words?

It’s About More Than Your Words?

News flash: Communicating with your daughter is about more than your words.

After something gets twisted, I’ll usually say some version of:

“I didn’t say that.”

I wonder how many men have used that defense?

Remember, it matters not only what you say to your little girl, it matters how you say it.

Matters to your wife too…

It’s a lesson we all need to learn about once a week.

Admit it, we want to do better and learn, but most of us have no idea what we are doing.

She does not reason in the ways that you do. Her language and comprehension are still very simple. Your tone of voice, facial expression, and body language all communicate more to your daughter at this age than your words.

-Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff, Raising Girls

This Forms Your Daughter’s Ability To Trust

This Forms Your Daughter’s Ability To Trust

So what forms your daughter’s ability to trust?

You do, silly.

Before she learns the wrong way to have a relationship, the wrong way to treat people, she needs to see you provide a correct example.

And you do that by being a constant source of good in her life.

I mean, if she does not learn it from her parents, where is she going to get it?

Of course, grandparents can step in sometimes too.

The renowned psychologist Erik Erikson believed that a child’s ability to trust is directly related to her ability to trust her primary caregivers. If the first people she comes in contact with, most often mom and dad, are consistent —if they offer her stability and ongoing, reliable care, she will learn the concept of trust. She will believe the world is safe, based on the safety of her own home.

-Melissa Trevathan and Sissy Goff, Raising Girls

Sterling Terrell