2. Proverbs 15:4 New Living Translation
Gentle words are a tree of life;
Words of encouragement, affirmation,
and love cause are children to grow
emotionally and spiritually.
a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Words that are caustic, abusive, and
judgmental stunt a child’s emotional
and spiritual growth.

3. Proverbs 18:21 The Message Words kill… Words give life…
They are either poison or fruit –
You choose.
The tongue has the power of life and death and as parents we are responsible for the words we speak over our children.

4. James 3:2 New Living Translation
…Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

5. Toxic Verbal Weapons Sarcasm Hurtful Teasing Subtle Put-Downs
“Nobody could be that dumb!”
Hurtful Teasing
“Pudgy Boy,” “Clumsy Girl,”
“Pumpkin Head,” “Bug Eyes”
Subtle Put-Downs
“I am sorry that you can’t wear pretty clothes like your sister.”

6. Reminding the Child of Misbehavior
“You would be going to the movies tonight with your friends if you hadn’t got into so much trouble at school.”
Expressing Joy in the Child’s Discipline
“Isn’t grounding fun? You seem to be
having such a good time! We ought to do
this more often!”
Taking Cheap Verbal Shots at the Child
“Sure, you an use the car. Your brother’s wings
are clipped, so he won’t be needing it.”
Projecting Failure on the Child

7. Projecting Failure on the Child
“With every dish you wash, just remember
what a disgusting little creep you’ve been.”
Verbally Kicking a Child When He is Down
“I can’t find my wallet. Did you take that, too?”
Harassment
“Get in there and cook supper! You need
the practice. At the rate you’re going, you
will have your own family to cook for by the
time you graduate. Did I say graduate?
Ha! That’s a laugh!”

8. “It’s all your fault your father doesn’t’ want
Constant Nagging
Broadcasting the Child’s Humiliation
“Yes, Mom, your grandson wet his bed again…the third time this week.”
Belittling (Comparing)
“Why can’t you be more like your friend,
Cody. She always makes good grades.”
Blaming
“It’s all your fault your father doesn’t’ want
to come home at night.”

9. Fault-Finding
Matthew 7:1 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor.

10. Ephesians 4:29 New Living Translation
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.