My children are overusing the word "perfect." "That piano piece is perfect." "I ate all my dinner - perfect!" "Yay, I have a draw four. Perfect!" During one 30 minute period, I caught Aidan saying the word perfect six times. And now that I have typed the word perfect so many times, it looks completely wrong and bizarre.
Of course, the fact that they are overusing this word means that I am overusing this word. I am a perfectionist, but this is ridiculous.
I want them to know that perfection isn't required at my house. That being good is acceptable. That doing our best is what is most important.
I definitely need to start paying attention to how often I say this word. I think striving for perfectionism (and nothing short of it) can be pretty damaging to a child's psyche.
At least it's not a swear word they are overusing. But sometimes I think perfection is a four letter word.
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I never hear that word at my house. Maybe "OK" or "kinda good," but never perfect! LOL
Hmm---that's not a word I use a lot. But I feel like I will now without even thinking about it cuz of this post.
I think I would giggle if my girls were using a word like that over and over again. I notice Keira says "oh brother" a lot because I say it a lot and it makes me laugh. I have also heard her say "crap" a couple of times and then I yelled at her for saying it but guess who she got it from? I guess you learn a lot about yourself just from watching and listening to your kids!
Oh and I think just because they SAY the word perfect doesn't mean that they think they have to BE perfect.
I've just gotten used to when people use it around me to describe me. ;)
My kids are the opposite..."It doesn't have to be perfect mom!" (mostly used when refering to some chore they are required to do!).
There is nothing wrong with perfectionism but there definately needs to be a balance!
You are a great mom I am sure you will figure it out!!
I think you are right it can be a four letter word. My oldest would rather not do something than fail at it. I am constantly trying to talk with him about the importance of trying and point out when I messed up but then keep going.
I agree. I tend to want things just so, and my kids are picking up on some of that uptightness. I feel so bad about that. I try to remind them on a regular basis that I expect them to always to their best, but not to be perfect. Still, I think I really have to work on MYSELF not having to have everything perfect for it to really work. Sigh.
It's hard when you're wired to be uptight, isn't it?
Perhaps it is all in how it is used. Maybe if you look up the word in the Thesaurus you can try your hand at other words that mean the same thing and increase their vocabulary in the process.
Good thinking, Erin! Though it depends on what the word perfect means to them. Do they define it how an adult would, or to them is it just another way of saying ''Awesome!''
Thought-provoking...I'm going to pay a little more attention around here to what my kids are saying...
I love your Anna Quindlen quote in your sidebar!! So true!
I agree, very thought provoking.....
Kids truly absorb so much, even when we don't realize they are paying attention.
I am afraid to admit that my kids said 'dammit' more than any others in the neighborhood
I like this post. It's definitely something worth thinking about.
At least you're saying a positive word! I notice my kids saying "what the crap" and all of a sudden I have to break myself of THAT one! Eee!
My husband always says he wants everything to be Perfect. I always tell him... not possible. He just wants the best for us, but it's okay to not be perfect all the time. :)
Hey at least you can recognize and make the change! Hooray for being proactive!
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