From a young age, children are told that while sticks and stones can break their bones, words can never hurt them. But anyone who has a lingering insecurity or painful memory related to childhood can tell you otherwise.
While bruises, skinned knees, and even broken bones can heal within a matter of weeks, the pain of hurtful words may linger for years—or even an entire lifetime. And since we tend to speak to children the way we were spoken to ourselves, the result can be a never-ending cycle of the same attitudes, the same communication styles, and the same insecurities, transmitted from one generation to the next.
As a former classroom teacher and practicing therapist, Devon D. Herndon has learned to recognize the phrases that can damage a child’s self-esteem and emotional growth, from the blatantly bad to the well-meaning but misinformed.
In this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll find out what these toxic terms are, what makes them so hurtful, and alternative terms to use instead. Whether you have kids, work with kids, or have ever been a kid, Toxic Terms is your instruction manual for speaking relationally—one of the toughest parts of being a parent or caregiver.
As co-founder of BeMeBetter, Devon’s own journey of personal and spiritual growth led her to help others achieve success. She believes in the power of mentors and coaches, and in identifying opportunities for growth and fulfillment. Her goal in assisting her clients, especially adolescents and young adults, is to help them break through their perceived limitations and live their best life.
She also works individuals with individuals seeking emotional recovery from trauma, and those overcoming drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Devon uses several modalities with her clients, including traditional counseling and life coaching, Sandplay therapy, EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing), and physical activity and exercise.
Devon now lives in Colorado and works with clients telephonically.
Her new book is available on Amazon, order it by clicking the link below:
“Toxic Terms: 10 Things Never to Say to Kids…But What You Can Say Instead.”
