Psychologist Caroline Goldman explained what “prison words” are and how they are dangerous for children in a column on France Inter.
Psychologists are increasingly emphasizing the importance of the words we use with children. Whether it is to take care of their mental health or to ensure that they grow up happy and fulfilled, the words and phrases used by parents play a central role. And often, these are commonly used phrases that can be harmful to children.it is difficult to realize it by oneself but the psychologists are there to enlighten us.
Caroline Goldman is a child psychologist and brings up the subject of “prison words” in one of her daily columns on France Inter. These “jail words” can be harmful to children, which is why it is important to pinpoint them quickly. Caroline Goldman begins with these words: “We shrink, receive children hurt by the unfortunate words of their loved ones.” And then she explains what these “prison-words” consist of.
What’s next after this ad
“Prison Words” Are Much More Dangerous For Children Than You Think
The little patients that Caroline Goldman meets describe “prison words” like this: “For example: “you are mean, selfish like your father, crazy like your mother, etc.) and others predict their difficulties to come (“you will repeat, fail, be betrayed”…)” These words are really dangerous for them as the psychologist explains: “All these words are paralyzing and indelible “prison words”, which never lead to anything good, they risk condemning them to pessimism, and directing their destiny. These words may seem quite innocuous, but they mark children for life and can prevent them from growing up serenely and confidently.
And aside from these “jail-words”, Caroline Goldman explains that certain words when repeated can also be bad for children. And even common phrases that we use every day! The child psychologist explains: “I would like to say this to your listeners: “stop repeating because your children hear you!” They hear you when you repeat every day invective 15 times (“are you getting up?”, “you have to get dressed”, “did you brush your teeth?”). When I hear it said that “repetition is a key to education”, I laugh out loud when I think of those little patients worn out by instructions that have been looping in their ears like sterile background music, and ended up discrediting the voice of all adults, including that of their teachers.” So be careful when using this kind of order repeatedly, after a while they no longer have any effect on the children except negative effects!
Parenting writer
Zoé is on a work-study program, she joined the aufeminin team in September 2022, she writes for the parenting section. Committed and curious, Zoé likes to write to advance…