By Jean Tracy, MSS

'Youll never amount to anything!' 'Youre the laziest kid Ive ever seen!' 'Dont be so stupid!'

Parents, do you get frustrated with your kids? Are you out of patience? Do you regret the things you say?

Listen. I know raising kids isnt easy. I know its a full-time job. I know you get frustrated.

On the other hand, its a fact that when you tear your kids down, you get results. Imagine being the parent yelling, 'Get out of here! Stop annoying me.'

Become the child receiving these words:

Look at your parents face. What do you see? Hear your parents tone. What do you hear? Experience your feelings. What do you feel? Do you to want to please your parent? Are you angry, sad, or hurt? Would you feel like pleasing or rebelling?

Parents, its important to realize that criticisms dont affirm but they do get results. They dont build up but they do tear down.

Criticism prompts your kids to:

Fester inside with pain, shame, and anger. Avoid a relationship with you. Fear more of your criticism. Feel self-hatred. Rebel. Criticisms take on a life of their own:

They become your childs inner self-talk and feelings. They get repeated by your kids to your grandchildren. They can recycle forever.

How to turn criticism into positive results:

Listen, parents. You can have a positive influence on your child. You can resolve to change. You can be patient. You can think before you speak. All you need to do is:

Look in the mirror when criticizing your child and ask yourself, 'Is this the face I want my child to see and remember? Decide to change. Practice catching your child being good instead of bad. Notice your childs face when you use compliments. Replace criticism with positive praise everyday. One more thing, youll never regret using compliments. Youll never regret building up your child. Youll never regret the results.

Jean Tracy, MSS, 'Granny Jean' publishes 'Tips and Tools for Character Builders,' her Free top-rated Parenting Newsletter. Subscribe at her web site http://www.KidsDiscuss.com and receive 80 fun activities to share with your kids.

Treat your children to Granny Jeans Parent Affirmations: 75 to Build Character in Kids at www.KidsDiscuss.com

Jean Tracy,MSS, Northwest author and speaker, is a former teacher, probation off

Tags: Criticism Childs, Parenting Tips