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Children are greatly affected by what is said to them. Make a positive impact by always treating children the way you want to be treated.
Be aware of what you say and how you say it. Criticism, insults, threats, sarcasm and rejection are all forms of emotional abuse and leave lasting scars on children.
Avoid putdowns, even as jokes. Children take them seriously.
Stop and cool down before disciplining a child.
Treat children with respect, even when discipling, and focus on behavior, not the child.
Never use racial slurs or other insults when speaking about others.
Encourage the behavior you want by praising children often for positive qualities and actions.
Engage children in friendly conversation daily. Show interest in what they like, ask for their opinions, and listen attentively.
Keep your promises to children. If that proves impossible, apologize and make it up to them.