Kids Say the Darndest Things

Do you remember the old television show called "Kid's say the Darndest Things?"  If not you should look for it on YouTube.  It was a great show and a good laugh was always had.  The idea works on TV but in real life when things are said that we regret we must ask who pays the price?

To be honest, it can be hysterical to hear a child say something they shouldn’t. A child pointing out a pimple may not bother you, but they can be damaging when said between students. So when you start hearing other students say something that hurts someone else’s feelings, it may be time to stand up and explain “think before you speak.”

One of the trickiest nuances of learning to think before you speak is knowing if a statement is helpful. Even adults have trouble recognizing that just because something is kind or neutral, doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to say.

There is much more to learning than book learning.  There are many tasks that are developmental in nature. Just like learning to look both ways before crossing a street, adolescents and teenagers must learn to "think before you speak".

REMEMBER THIS

Being kind means being considerate of others feelings, showing them you care. A hurtful statement is one that is mean or hurts someone’s feelings. A statement that is helpful provides assistance, serves to meet a need, or is useful in achieving a goal. Just because something is kind or not hurtful, doesn’t mean it’s helpful or the right thing to say. And just because something’s not helpful, doesn’t make it hurtful.

Journaling Prompt

“Sometimes we say things without thinking them through, and our words may not be appropriate.  They may hurt someone’s feelings, or it may not be the right time to talk. Learning to think before we speak is important, not only because you are responsible for the things you say but also you’re responsible if those things you say hurt someone else. 

Think about the interactions you have from time to time.  Are there times you recognize that it would be better to just think it rather than say it.

Here are some examples: (How would you categorize these)​