“Again! Well done! You can do it! I love you.”
Simple, everyday words, yet capable of leaving a deep and lasting mark. This short excerpt from the illustrated book “A come Abbraccio” by Daniela Lucangeli reminds us how much the language we use with children can make a difference, every single day.
Words are never “just words.” They are seeds that, day after day, contribute to emotional growth and the development of identity.
The Value of Words in Early Childhood
From the very first years of life, children develop their sense of self also through the language used by the adults around them. The words they hear become part of their inner dialogue and a fundamental tool to feel welcomed, understood, and recognized.
Expressions such as:
“You can do it”
“I am here with you”
“I love you”
become small anchors, able to convey security, encouragement, and confidence in their own abilities.
Words filled with love, trust, esteem, and also appropriate firmness help children feel seen, accepted, and capable. On the contrary, dismissive or careless words, or those charged with judgment, can negatively affect emotional development, generating insecurity and fear of failure.
Language That Supports Growth
Choosing positive language does not mean avoiding rules or limits, but finding respectful and constructive ways to guide children in discovering themselves and others.
“Nourishing” words are those that:
acknowledge emotions (“I understand you are upset”)
encourage and value effort (“Let’s try again together”)
provide reassurance and support in difficult moments (“I am here to help you”)
This kind of communication fosters emotional intelligence, the ability to manage frustration, and the development of healthy relationships.
Small Everyday Gestures That Make a Difference
In the rhythm of everyday life, it is natural not to always choose the “right” words. Yet it is precisely in daily moments that we can make small but meaningful changes.
For example:
“You can’t do it” can become “Let’s try again together”
“Stop it now” can become “I’ll help you calm down”
“You are always distracted” can become “Let’s try to focus together”
It’s not about perfection, but about presence and awareness.
Words as a Form of Daily Care
Taking care of children means supporting their well-being in every aspect: physical, emotional, and relational.
Just as we carefully choose gentle products for their skin, we can also choose gentle words—words that accompany their growth with respect.
It is a form of invisible care, yet deeply effective.
Linea MammaBaby® was created with this very intention: to care for little ones with gentleness, respect, and quality. And care also passes through what we say, every day.
In Collaboration with “Le Parole Nutrienti”
This content was created in collaboration with Chiara Mancuso, pedagogist and founder of the project Le Parole Nutrienti, which promotes a conscious and respectful use of language in relationships with children.
Through her work, she supports parents and educators in rediscovering the value of words as tools for growth, connection, and emotional well-being.
Because every word can become an act of care, and, over time, an embrace that stays.