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Harsh comments from parents can affect a child's sense of self and potentially harm their self-esteem.

Parents may make negative statements that they forget in minutes, but their child might remember for years.

Being a conscious parent who considers what they say, even when angry, can help protect a child's self-image.

Children who know their value may have a better chance of leading happier, more fulfilling lives.

It should be no surprise to anyone that criticism can tear a child down. Parents may not always realize how important their words are in shaping a child’s sense of self. If parents expect their child to do things a certain way, yet do not praise them when they do, a child can feel unseen and unappreciated. Then, when parents criticize the same child when they fall short, the child may feel they only get parental attention because they’ve done something wrong. This, in turn, makes it more likely the child will feel bad about themselves. By mostly receiving negative attention, they........

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