Give them PIE - Power of Words

I keep thinking about positive parenting... something I really am trying to figure out. I have lots of great intentions and ideas for truthful living and parenting, but sometimes I can't put my finger on what I'm doing wrong. Sigh... such is life... learning... gaining wisdom.

A few months ago I heard a great talk by Ed Pinegar on BYU-TV. This idea has stuck with me and I need to revisit it today.

He said to

"Give your children plenty of PIE."

He shared a story about his son Cory. They used to take time at family home evening to share something positive about each child. One night he looked at his wife for help to think of something positive about Cory who was a little boy at the time. His wife said that he had been doing a great job emptying the dishwasher. After hearing the praise, for the next week or so, the boy had been doing his job extra well and quickly.

- Ed Pinegar (Family Expo 2001)

Here are a few other quotes I've read recently that helped me realize the POWER OF WORDS and that we all need encouragement rather than criticism... especially our tots.

"Each day we have the opportunity to mend hearts and empower lives with our words. When we use them to build and inspire – people grow. When we degrade and criticize – people shrink. Our simple words of encouragement and praise can be life-changing." Power of Words by DeAnne Flynn

"None of us need one more person... pointing out where we have failed or fallen short... What each of us does need is family... who believe in us, and who believe we're trying to do the best we can." Elder Marvin J. Ashton (March 2008 Friend)

"Sometimes discipline, which means ‘to teach,’ is confused with criticism. Children — as well as people of all ages — improve behavior from love and encouragement more than from fault-finding.” Susan W. Tanner - 2003 General Conference

“Children need directing and teaching what is right in a kind, affectionate manner… How often we see parents demand obedience, good behavior, kind words, pleasant looks, a sweet voice and a bright eye from a child or children when they themselves are full of bitterness and scolding! How inconsistent and unreasonable this is!” (Brigham Young)

“At times our children may not be in possession of a good spirit; but if the parent continues to possess the good Spirit, the children will have the bad spirit but a short time.” Brigham Young

“Children need sunlight. They need happiness. They need love and nurture. They need kindness and refreshment and affection. Every home, regardless of the cost of the house, can provide an environment of love which will be an environment of salvation.” President Gordon B. Hinckley- Oct General Conference, 1994