Are well-meaning parenting phrases doing more harm than good?

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson unpack five common phrases many parents use every day—phrases like "Good job!" and "Be careful!"—and explore how they may unintentionally shape children's confidence, resilience, independence, and self-belief.

While these phrases often come from a place of love and protection, research in child development suggests that the words we use matter. The goal isn't to make parents feel guilty—it's to become more intentional about the messages children receive about themselves, their abilities, and the world around them.

Tammy and Tania discuss practical alternatives that encourage intrinsic motivation, problem-solving, emotional regulation, confidence, and healthy risk-taking. They explain why small shifts in language can have a powerful impact on children's long-term development and self-esteem.

In this episode, you'll learn:

▪️ Why "Good job!" may not be the praise children need most

▪️What to say instead of "Be careful!"

▪️ How language influences confidence, motivation, and resilience

▪️Common parenting phrases that can unintentionally increase anxiety

▪️ Simple communication strategies that foster emotional growth and independence

If you've ever wondered how to raise confident, capable, and resilient children, this conversation will help you rethink some of the most common parenting advice and give you practical tools you can start using today.

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