As a mother striving to raise my daughter to be compassionate, inclusive, and assertive, I find myself navigating the choppy waters of gender dynamics. At just 10 years old, she is already encountering some unsettling attitudes from boys her age, and I recognize the importance of helping her build confidence. While I certainly don’t advocate for violence, I want her to have the strength to stand her ground when necessary.
It’s vital for my daughter to feel empowered to exist in this world unapologetically. The lessons I impart will come not only from my actions and direct advice, but also from my choice of words. As both a mother and a professional, I understand that my language can shape her self-perception and influence her future interactions, especially in the workplace. To that end, I’ve decided to eliminate three words from my vocabulary: perfect, just, and little.
Perfect
The term “perfect” often slips into my conversations, especially when praising my children’s creations. Saying “It’s perfect!” might seem harmless, but it inadvertently promotes unrealistic standards of perfectionism. Perfection is unattainable and can lead to a never-ending cycle of dissatisfaction. Instead, I want my daughter to appreciate her efforts and embrace imperfection as a part of growth. It’s crucial to replace this word with encouragement that fosters resilience rather than pressure.
Just
The word “just” tends to belittle statements and diminish their importance. Phrases like “I’m just checking in” or “I was just about to say” imply that we need to downplay our contributions. In the professional realm, I’ve realized that women often feel compelled to justify their actions using this word. Men rarely use it in the same context, which highlights a disparity in how we communicate our value. By removing “just” from my vocabulary, I aim to assert my presence with confidence.
Little
Using the term “little” to describe aspects of my life can come off as diminutive. Sure, my son is the smallest member of our family, but when discussing my family or accomplishments, calling them “little” can sound condescending. This word is often used out of habit, but it’s time to embrace more empowering descriptors that reflect our lives without apologizing.
What we say shapes how we view ourselves and how we are perceived in society. By reassessing our use of language, we can cultivate a more positive environment for ourselves and our children. For support on this journey, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and consider exploring couples’ fertility journeys for those looking to expand their families. If you’re interested in enhancing male fertility, you might want to read about fertility boosters for men.
In summary, the words we choose can have a profound impact on our lives and our children’s lives. By being mindful of our language, we can help foster a more supportive and empowering environment for the next generation.
Keyphrase: three words to stop saying
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