Things You Should Never Say To Your Kids

Parenting.com has a list of 9 things you should never say to your kids.  The report says some of these can leave your kids angry or confused. Check out the top 5:

5. 'Hurry up!'

Kids take longer to do things, but parents these days are often rushed.  If you rush your kids too often, you will leave your kids feeling guilty because they are making you rush around all the time. The guilt may make them feel bad, but it doesn't motivate them to move faster.

4. 'Why can't you be more like your brother/sister?'
It's natural to compare kids, but never let your child hear you do this.  Children develop at their own pace and have their own temperment.  Comparing your children sends the message that you wish one of them was different.

3. 'Leave me alone!'

We know every parent needs a break from the kids....but if you tell them that they will internalize the message.  They will then begin to think there is no point in talking to you because you always brush them off.

2. 'You know better than that!'

Children might now actually know better.  Learning is a process of trial and error.  This kind of comment is neither productive nor supportive. Give your child the benefit of the doubt, and be specific. Say "I like it better if you do it this way, thank you."

1. 'Stop or I'll give you something to cry about!'
Threats, usually the result of parental frustration, never work.  You should get these kinds of things out of your parenting tool chest.  The problem is....you will at some point have to make good on the threat or it loses its power.