Our words to our children carry so much weight. If we tell them they are mean, inconsiderate or irresponsible, they will assimilate this as part of their self image. Young children particularly do not have the intellectual maturity to question our evaluation of them, let alone not let it bother them. As a matter of fact, I would say that the majority of my fellow nursery school friends come to school with some portion of their breakfast on their shirt. Encouragement builds self-esteem.
Criticism tears it down.
Encouragement builds self-esteem. Criticism tears it down. That type of statement is both instructive and encouraging. It tells the child what to do in order to not spill his juice and sends the message that the mother believes he is capable of getting it right. I appreciate that that.