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Power words
Four words that can help your child be the best possible person -- at home and school.
By GreatSchools Staff
Words can be powerful for children. Some, known as “power words,” can even be a guide for kids, reminding them to try their hardest and aim to be the best possible person — in school and in life.
Let your child know that he or she can be someone who follows the four power words:
- Cooperation
- Compassion
- Persistence
- Self-control
At first, it might feel strange to use them and for your child to hear them. But if you work them into your conversations, over time your child will get the message that these words — and the behaviors they describe — are important. For example: “To finish a project at work today, I had to cooperate with the whole team.” “Whew! It was hard, but my persistence at cleaning the garage paid off. We now have room to park in there!”
Most important, use these words to point out when your child has done something positive:
- “You really cooperated with me today by helping to fold the laundry.”
- “You had so much compassion when you helped your friend who was sad.”
- “You showed persistence by working hard on your homework until it was done.”
- “I know you were unhappy about not being able to watch more TV. But you showed real self-control by turning it off when I asked.”
Use these words often enough, and they can help your child act in the most positive way possible. Who knows, your child might even start saying them — and wow the teacher by using them in class!
Print out the list of power words — and examples of how to use them — below:
