This tip brought to you by our Dad Guru John Valadez
on May 27, 2009
Demeaning a child is a form of verbal abuse. Sarcasm is usually the form demeaning remarks are conveyed. Saying phrases like, “now that was really bright” or, “that’s just great”, are blatant forms of sarcasm. Comments like these avoid direct criticism, but in turn leave the child feeling belittled.
It would take all of my fingers and toes to count up how many times I‘ve heard demeaning remarks come out of parents mouths. If you are using sarcasm with your child then please stop. There are multiple avenues for you to seek assistance with regards to your verbal abuse. Some parents blow up during the height of a situation and then apologize later. Do yourself and children a favor and just calm down before using demeaning remarks in the first place. Although, it is nice that you apologize for your behavior that still does not give you the right to verbally abuse your children in the first place. A child’s self esteem is far more important than an impulsive, sarcastic remark.
The next time you feel the need to use sarcasm, stop, and remember the way it belittles and demeans your children.
Lift them up, don’t knock them down.
