STICKS AND STONES

I know that all of you could finish this statement: 

           "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words (names) can never hurt me."

"Sticks and Stones" is an English language children's rhyme.   It is reported to have appeared in 'The Christian Recorder' of March 1862, a publication of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.  It encourages kids not to be hurt by others calling them names.

Of course, we know this statement's sentiment is not true.  Sticks and stones can break our bones and names definitely do hurt us. You may recall the effects of the deeply cutting words spoken to the school girl in a previous blog titled, "The miracle of forgiveness."

Cruel words are never acceptable.  They come from many different sources.  It might be from thoughtless, critical words from a school teacher or parent, or the taunts of other children.

We can be pretty confident in knowing that at some time in our lives we are going be exposed to cruel words.

CAN WE SHIELD OUR KIDS FROM HURTFUL WORDS?

I don't think we can totally protect our children against the cruel jibes of others, but perhaps we can prepare them for the inevitable.

As parents we need to:
1. Refrain from speaking hurtful words to one another AND to our children.
2. Talk to our kids about respecting each other and what that looks and sounds like.
3. Explain that critical words hurt, and that the effect crushing words have on us may last many
    years.
4. Explain that almost everyone gets teased in their lives and that it often comes from those who
    wish they were like us, or from those who lack sensitivity.
5. Encourage our kids to tell us if they have been hurt by others so we can help them process it.
6. Teach them to walk away from someone who is calling them names, if asking them to stop doesn't
    work. 
7. Fill our kids' 'mind banks' with positive words so that they are assured of their own value, rather 
    than automatically believing whatever others say.


Written by Sally Burgess