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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