Slow down and T-H-I-N-K

Raising a son in his pre-teen years is not always glamorous. In between the hugs and baseball games, there is a lot of sass and snarky remarks that get hurled at me daily. Of course, I love my son with all of my heart, but finding edifying and constructive responses to his remarks can be challenging.

I saw this sign in his elementary school classroom a few years ago that I still remember and reflect on today. It is a pretty popular acronym, but I have found it to be exceptionally helpful when trying to exemplify the positive speech I want to teach my son (even when it is hard).

It is to T-H-I-N-K before you speak.

T: Is it true?
H: Is it helpful?
I: Is it inspiring?
N: Is it necessary?
K: Is it kind?

Going through this before I respond has helped slow down my speech to not be reactionary, but constructive and positive. No one is perfect, but trying to be conscious of how we communicate with others can be a good practice to get in to. It is my hope, too, that you read this and are reminded to cultivate kindness with your words today!

For more insight, please watch this short video here.