This Teacher’s Lesson On The Importance Of Words Is What Parents Need

“Ang taba mo, Ma!”

When my kids were preschoolers, I often heard such remarks. And they also have a tendency to choose the most inconvenient moments to share their thoughts–like asking why I have a pimple while I’m talking to someone at an event. And while this is somewhat fine with me, they sometimes share their uh somewhat frank thoughts or questions at other people–my eldest asked my friend why she’s “sooo short.”

And while I think that they’ve largely learned the importance of using kind words by now, there’s always room to reinforce the lesson. Here’s one powerful way to teach our children about the power of words and their effect on people. In a poignant and thought-provoking lesson shared on her Instagram account, a dedicated teacher shows us and even reminds us, the profound impact that our words can have on others. And we think that this is a useful lesson that parents can use with their children.

The 30-second rule

Ms. Natalie Ringold, an elementary teacher shared the “30-second rule” on her Instagram account, @always.upper.elementary. The central theme of her lesson revolves around a simple yet powerful guideline: “If somebody can’t change something about themselves in 30 seconds or less, then you shouldn’t be mentioning it to them.” The rule serves as a foundation for fostering kindness and empathy in daily interactions.

Natalie then points out what is acceptable to point out, such as “your shoes are untied,” or “you have a little fuzzy on your shirt,” or “hey, your pants are unzipped.” However, she then said that “if you comment on someone’s hair color or hair texture or hair style or body,” these are things they cannot change in 30 seconds or less, and crossing that line can be harmful.

This rule encourages children–and all of us–to be more mindful of the impact our words can have. It’s a reminder that certain comments, no matter how well-intentioned, can cause harm if they focus on aspects of a person that are beyond immediate control.

Words are irreversible

Natalie then goes on to emphasize the difficulty in taking back our words once they are spoken, especially when it’s about things someone cannot quickly change. “Your words have power,” she said, highlighting that trying to “fix it” or “take it back” is often impossible. Words, once out in the world, have a lasting impact, and even the most casual of statements can leave a lasting mark.

The message is clear: we must be conscious of the words we choose to say because they carry weight and significance. Natalie’s lesson and video is a call to action, encouraging us to think before we speak and to always prioritize kindness in our interactions.

Spreading kindness and love

In the video’s caption, Natalie shares that she taught this lesson on the last day of school to ensure that students carry its message with them long after they leave the classroom. She advises, “If you walk out of this room spreading kindness to people around you, spreading love to the people around you, this is what truly makes the difference.” The heart of the lesson remains: we all have a choice in how we use our words and actions, and we can positively impact others by always choosing to be kind and loving in our interactions.

And what if we–or our children–slip up? We apologize. Natalie also discusses the importance of apologizing when mistakes are made, acknowledging that while we can’t always take back our words, we can still make an effort to make things right. The lesson here is that while words can be powerful and sometimes hurtful, there is also power in owning up to our mistakes and trying to mend any harm we might have caused.

A call for educators and parents

Finally, Natalie encourages other educators–and perhaps even parents–to save and share the reel. And we wholeheartedly agree that her lesson is truly worth amplifying. 

In a world where words are often carelessly thrown around, Natalie’s lesson serves as a timely reminder of the importance of kindness, responsibility, and the lasting impact our words can have. This isn’t just a lesson for our kids; it’s a reminder for all of us to be more mindful and compassionate in our everyday interactions.

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A post shared by Ms. Natalie Ringold ???? Elementary Teacher (@always.upper.elementary)

Read here to learn how careless words may affect your children.