Whether you are a fire family, a single parent, or a family with four kids, this program applies to everyone.

Let’s talk about the power of words. You can build a person up or tear them down in one fell swoop. Our kids are basically blank canvases that we write on. Why not purposely choose the powerful words, the ones that mold their character and uplift and empower them from here on end? You will begin to see a huge difference in their behavior and their confidence when you do. Today think about the words you use with your kids. Do you call them selfish or ungrateful? Those words also have serious impact. Pay attention to how you speak to your kids today. Then begin replacing the nebulous though less harmful words like good or nice and put virtues in there instead. Below is a list of the character and spirit building words of The Virtues Project. Today praise your children or call them to correction with these words. If they are being “good” thank them for being helpful or kind. If they are being rude, remind them of their innate goodness and call them back to being thoughtful, grateful or kind or yes, assertive (not aggressive) to others. Over the next several weeks I will also share how to practice each virtue.

GET RID OF SHAME-BASED, GUILTING, RESENTFUL, ANGRY LANGUAGE

HAVE TEENAGERS? USE VIRTUES LANGUAGE. HAVE LITTLE KIDS? USE VIRTUES LANGUAGE

List of Powerful Words: Assertiveness, caring, cleanliness, compassion, confidence, consideration, courage, courtesy, creativity, detachment, determination, enthusiasm, excellence, faithfulness, flexibility, forgiveness, friendliness, generosity, gentleness, helpfulness, honesty, honor, humility, idealism, joyfulness, justice, kindness, love, loyalty, mercy, moderation, modesty, obedience, orderliness, patience, peacefulness, prayerfulness, purposefulness, reliability, respect, responsibility, reverence, self-discipline, service, steadfastness, tact, thankfulness, tolerance, trust, trustworthiness, truthfulness, unity.

Let’s Practice:

Pay attention to how you speak to your kids today.
Notice what you need to change.
Say something uplifting and encouraging to your kid today using a few of the above virtues and watch their eyes light up in recognition.