Do you know what the parent amplification effect is?
Do you know how to use it your (and your kids’!) benefit?
“Because of children’s dependency on their parents, any parental remark – positive or negative – gets magnified in the child’s mind,” says Adam Galinsky, a social scientist, business school professor, dad of two boys, and author of Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself & Others. That’s the parent amplification effect.
“An offhand compliment can inspire a lifelong passion, while a critical comment may lead a child to abandon an activity altogether,” Adam says.
In this conversation, Adam, Jen, & Janet discuss how parents can use their words to positively impact their children.
Takeaways:
- Our words have meaning, but we won’t always say the right thing.
- Offhand comments can have lasting effects on a child’s self-esteem.
- Parents are not perfect and will make mistakes.
- Children are always observing, even when we think they aren’t listening.
- Awareness of our impact as parents is crucial for effective communication.
- Guilt can be constructive, while shame can be harmful.
- Children are resilient and can overcome negative experiences.
- We can learn to be more inspiring leaders and parents.
Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:
Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself & Others
How to Speak Up for Yourself — Adam’s TED talk
Listen to Boys & Young Men – ON BOYS episode
Nonverbal Communication with Boys — ON BOYS episode
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