Our words are their guide

We were traveling the other day when we not only faced a moderate amount of humor because of the words of my youngest but also, a true lesson in life. Just like any other journey we loaded up the girls and started off for a day of adventure. With a pending medical procedure right around the corner my wife decided that she wanted to take the girls out and have some wholesome family time together. As we drove to Poplar Bluff, the world was as it should be. Mom and I discussing ideas while the girls did their own thing in the back seat.

The stress of the pending appointments, traveling, and procedures seemed to slip away with each mile driven and giggle from the back seat. As the miles flowed by a silence seemed to overtake the vehicle. Not the eerie kind of silence but one of being content. It was then that the somber silence was shaken by the words of a 10-year-old child. The words which shattered the silence proved to be quite comical for me and my wife.

Out of nowhere, Riyann looked at her sister and repeated the words we have all heard spoken from their mother’s mouth time after time. “Go ahead...do it one more time. Do it,” rang from her lips as her sister sat in silence. Upon hearing the words my wife and I nearly got whiplash from turning towards one another. Doing our best not to bust out laughing, I inquired as to what was going on. As Riyann explained, something her sister was doing was particularly annoying and she had had enough.

Although simplistic in nature, Riyann’s words that day caused me to think about the importance of choosing our words. So often we communicate with our children, failing to consider the impact our words are having upon them. The words she chose that day were identical to the words their mother uses from time to time when she has had enough. The thing neither my wife nor I had truly thought about was that the words would become a permanent part of our children’s vocabulary, in a sense blending with the child and becoming a permanent part of who they are.

As a parent, we all understand the importance of raising our children to become effective, useful members of society. Remembering that our children are watching our every move and listening to each word as they grow through life. Choose your words wisely my friends. You will most likely hear your words flow forth from the mouths of your babies when the moment is right.

Richard J. Stephens lives in Carter County and is the father of three little ladies ranging in age from 9 to 29.