Words Matter: How to Communicate with Children so they Thrive

Transform how you speak to children and help them thrive

Words shape children’s lives more than we realise. 2 in 5 children experience verbal abuse by adults in their lives, affecting their confidence, self-esteem, mental health, and development.

Across three weeks, you’ll discover the science of child development and language, recognise verbal abuse in daily life, and gain practical techniques for home, school, and in a variety of interactions with children.

Discover the real power of your words

You’ll gain insights into the latest research and simple neuroscience with leading experts to understand why the way we communicate with and around children - and the words we use - matter. With this foundation, you’ll recognise how everyday comments can either support or undermine a child’s confidence and wellbeing. ##Recognise harmful patterns and respond with confidence Learn what childhood verbal abuse looks like in real life. You’ll work through everyday examples, spot phrases and patterns that can harm children, and learn to recognise early signs of verbal harm. Through guided activities, you’ll practise responding constructively in challenging moments and explore approaches that protect children’s mental health and wellbeing while supporting positive relationships.

Transform your communication to help children flourish

Turn insight into action by learning positive communication strategies that help children thrive. You’ll apply simple techniques to build trust, repair communication when things go wrong, and support children at different ages and stages.

You’ll leave feeling more capable, equipped and ready to create nurturing environments where children feel safe, valued and able to reach their potential – and relationships can grow stronger and happier.

This course is for parents, carers, teachers, and youth leaders who want to communicate in ways that build children’s confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing.

This course is for parents, carers, teachers, and youth leaders who want to communicate in ways that build children’s confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing.

• Describe how words can impact a child’s mental and physical health, and emotional wellbeing and development
• Identify how harmful language can impact children
• Recognise the signs that a child may be experiencing verbal abuse by adults
• Apply simple, practical techniques to build happy and confident children, stronger emotional connections and calmer family dynamics