Saying Swaps for a Happier Home
When timelines are tight and dishes are dirty, it’s easy to snap at our kids. But just a simple switch of a phrase can keep the peace in your home! Give yourself some grace and remember that God fills in the gaps of our own shortcomings and tempers. Thanks to all the moms who shared these swaps to help us all keep things light in the home! Have your own helpful swaps? Comment below so we can add them!
"Get out the kitchen!" 🔄 "The kitchen is closed. It will reopen for lunch! Let’s go find somewhere else to play!"
“Y’all need to calm down! I am exhausted!” 🔄 “Your energy is so inspiring! Mommy is going to rest for a few minutes so I can get some more energy like you!”
“No! Stop telling poo and pee jokes!” (No, it’s not just your kids) 🔄 “Remember, poop and pee are bathroom words. You can talk about them as much as you want in the bathroom, but not here.”
“Do not talk to your sister like that! That is so mean.” 🔄 “Son, do you remember what our mouth is for? It’s for speaking kindness and truth. Was it kind to speak to her that way? Please go make it right and apologize.”
When a sibling says “Mom, _____just called me_____!” Remind your child that those words are not true about them and they are not to believe lies about themselves. Then walk up to the offending child and ask them “What is our mouth for?” and allow them to get in the habit of saying that “my mouth is for speaking kindness or truth or love, etc…”
Key Verses About Our Words—Teach Them To Yourself and Your Kids for Some Added Inspiration
Proverbs 31:26 – "She speaks wise words. And she teaches others to be kind.” (ICB)
Proverbs 18:21 – "Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (ESV)
Ephesians 4:29 – "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (NIV)
Proverbs 15:4 – "Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." (NLT)
Proverbs 16:24 – "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." (ESV)