What are Meredith Masony's thoughts on parenting language and why do they matter?

Meredith talks a lot about how words matter, but also how parenting is already hard enough without everyone policing every single phrase that comes out of your mouth.

The heart of it:

• Yes, language shapes how kids feel about themselves and about you
• But there is no one “perfect” script for parenting
• Part of parenting is trial and error and finding what actually works in your house

If you love saying, “Can you use a softer voice?” great. If that is not you at all, also great. The point is to be intentional, not performative, and to choose language that fits your real personality so you can stay consistent.

What’s one parenting phrase you’ve been told to use that just does not feel like you at all?