Destructive messages

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Destructive messages²:

Messages and statements which may provoke negative feelings and reactions in a child are called destructive messages. Parents who resort to destructive messages are not respecting and tolerating their children’s feelings and thoughts. Respect and tolerance are basic democratic attitudes, and you fail to communicate that to your children with your destructive messages. As a result, your child will probably respond with short, defensive answers, feeling misunderstood and degraded. These kinds of messages lead to conflicts and, sometimes, stop the communication process altogether.

Destructive messages can hinder the psychosocial development of children. The children are unable to develop their full potential and strong personalities if they only hear negative, degrading messages. However, strong personalities, respectful attitudes and tolerance towards others are the basic requirements for vibrant democratic societies.

To render your communication skills more democratic, you should first be aware of your present communication habits. Click here to find some relevant practice examples.