What Does It Mean If You Can't Say Anything Nice

The old saying finishes off with that you shouldn't say anything at all. The reason for this is that saying mean or unkind things can hurt other people and makes you look bad.

Sometimes, people will say the phrase instead of something mean. However, this is already saying that you have nothing nice to say and therefore your thoughts are still mean.

A better alternative is to keep your mouth shut. Or, you can search for something kind to say that is still true. For instance, if someone is talking about how mean a neighbor is, you can mention that the person is always well groomed.

You can also decide to change the subject if you do not want to participate in the meanness. You can do it casually, or just state outright that you would rather not say bad things about other people.

You will be the better person for not talking poorly about others. There is a time and a place where it may be necessary though. For example, if you are a mom managing the chores your children are working on, you may need to assess the work habits and skills. If the performance is sub-par, that must be noted. You can still select your words with care. Focus on the behavior without putting the child down.

If you have children, you can also teach them to use kind words. When we learn to look for the good in people, it makes us happier too. A positive outlook is shown to improve health and relationships with the people around.

If you have a habit of saying negative or judgmental things about others, you can begin to change that habit today. Put a rubber band on your wrist. Each time you catch yourself saying something negative about another, simply pop the band. Eventually, you will learn to control what you think and say.

You need to realize that it is better to speak kindly of others or keep your opinions to yourself. After all, we are all human and have flaws. It can be very hurtful to put someone down. Your actions may even encourage others to hurt the person. You do not want to be part of that negative energy. So, learn to keep your thoughts and words positive. You will have a good impact on the people around you.

Make it a goal to begin speaking with more kindness. Make it a goal to model to your children speaking what is supportive.

Here are more great thoughts about speaking with kindness.

Helpful Steps to Improving Sibling Relationships (Part 3 of 5 ...
http://www.amberalertgps.com Wed, 19 Jun 2013 13:42:01 GMT
Show respect and love by only speaking kindly about all of your children, teaching them to do the same. Step #2 – Try Shared Play. According to Supernanny.co.uk in the article “The Shared Play Technique”, shared play can ...

{Reviving} Simple Ways to Teach Toddlers about Kindness
http://www.connectingfamilyandseoul.com Tue, 05 Jun 2012 12:00:00 GMT
I know these may seem like common sense when it comes to teaching a toddler about kindness, but this is where we started with our little one. Right now, Grady is ... Speak kindly to them and to others all around you. Find the ...

If You Can't Say Something Nice... - Intentionally Yours
http://www.intentionallyyours.org Mon, 14 Oct 2013 10:51:50 GMT
#1 Remember what my mom always said, “If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.” #2 Tell him that his comment hurt my feelings. That morning, in that instance, I chose option #1, because honestly, I knew the ...

If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. | The bride ...
http://dicarlokara.wordpress.com Sat, 12 Oct 2013 20:53:35 GMT
I have become extremely aware of the words coming from my mouth lately, as well as the words stirring in my heart. Why we spend so much time and energy agreeing with things that steal, kill and destroy I'll never know.

Thanks for stopping by,
Suzanne

Advice About Mothering

Sometimes I wish there were a way to get more or better advice about mothering. And at other times, I just wish the strangers or acquaintances butting in would leave their opinions to themselves. Mothering is such a situational thing. No one can know it all. No one can be perfect doing it.

photo credit: cheetah100

Here's what I know, though. Mothering is an awesome profession and in reality pretty easy to do. There are only two things to remember; unlike having a job where there are tons of rules and potentially  multiple middle managers wanting to rule your time.

First, you'll work for God. He'll help you. Just ask. Ask for wisdom and ask for insight. Ask for clarity and focus. You'll find them. God wants you to succeed. He is for you. He wants your children to love him.

Second, you'll work with your husband. My husband is wise. He has good ideas and insights...if only I'd not fight them so much sometimes. Things are easier when you work together. Honor him and let his direction stand for your family. He can see if you are getting too stressed or trying to do too much. Ask him for help and ask him for input.

As for all those other 'butting in opinions', gracefully say that thank you and you'll take it under consideration and leave it at that. Really. Don't rant and carry on. Don't gossip about it. It really isn't worth it to your own health and plans to stress about it.

You are the mother and you really do know best.

Here are some really nice articles about mothering.  And just maybe, you'll take something under consideration.

The Best Advice I Never Asked For | Homemade Mothering
homemademothering.com

The Best Advice I Never Asked For | A Back to Basics Approach to Mothering and Homekeeping.

the joy of mothering: Kids First But Love them, Don't Spoil Them
motherofnine9.blogspot.com

One afternoon an acquaintance stopped by for a cup of tea with two pre-school children in tow. At first she was very nervous and jumping up at every disturbance she heard as the kids played. In an attempt to soothe her ...

Blessed Homemaking: Important Mothering Tip
www.blessedhomemaking.com

Important Mothering Tip. Mothers Lessons, Amalfi, 1857. Mothers Lessons,... If you want to see improvement in your children's behavior, there is a very important thing you must do, without fail. This is to keep your children with ...

What are your favorite mothering tips?

5 Days of Mothering and Homemaking

This is a simply lovely series for all you mothers and homemakers. I hope you enjoy it.
(P.S. This will take up some time...so don't start reading if you're supposed to be cooking dinner.)

photo credit: David Masters

• Christy at One Fun Mom – 5 Days of Fun Summer Planning (with printables)
• Jodi at Granola Mom 4 God – 5 Days of Using the Vitamix
• Lauren at Serving From Home – 5 Days to a Healthier Pregnancy
• Anne at Quick & Easy, Cheap & Healthy – 5 Days with Whole Wheat Flour
• Sarah at Sidetracked Sarah – 5 Days of Summer Activities with Children

photo credit: Kyle Rush

• Amanda at The Pelsers – 5 Days of Using Technology to Manage Your Home
• Jeri Lynn at Alabaster Box – 5 Days of Incorporating Inspiration into Your Routine
• Trillia at Woman of God Magazine – 5 Days of Saying No
• Kasey at These Five of Mine Plus Two – 5 Days of Getting Organized
• Leigh Ann at Intentional by Grace – 5 Days of 20 Minute Meals

photo credit: wisdomlight

• Chelsey at Joy Reflected – 5 Days of Essential Oils for Mama’s, Babies and Children
• Eileen at Edward’s Granddaughter – 5 Days to Better Communication
• Kelli at Lady of the Barn – 5 Days of Using Your Grain Mill
• Kelli at Adventurez in Child Rearing – 5 Days of Exploring God’s Creation
• Christin at Joyful Mothering – 5 Days of How to Clean House (and involve your children)

photo credit: the Italian voice

• Mary at The Encouraging Home – 5 Days of Using Essential Oils
• Honey at Sunflower Schoolhouse – 5 Days of Organizing Your Homeschool
• Kim at Not Consumed – 5 Days of Husbandless Homemaking
• Nicole at Faith in the Small Things – 5 Days of Virtue Training
• Laurie at Our Abundant Blessings – 5 Days of Children’s Birthday Party Ideas
• Stephanie at BowMania – 5 Days of Blessing Your Husband

Blessings to you.