I created this series to remind us that our words hold power. One sentence can either lift a child up or quietly shut them down. 

Today’s phrase?

“I told you so.”

Take a minute and say it out loud. Can you hear the arrogance in it? 

And, maybe in your family or classroom, it's said another way. In my household growing up, it wasn't "I told you so," it was "I wasn't going to say anything." Same effect.

We usually say things like this when we feel right, a warning goes ignored, or a child pushes a limit.

To a child, it often feels like shame.

What we see as a moment to teach can quickly become a moment of embarrassment.
Instead of learning, kids shut down.
They start hiding mistakes instead of growing from them.

The goal is not to be right.
It is to stay connected and help them reflect.

Let’s talk about how to shift this phrase and what to say instead when you want to guide without guilt.

Let’s dive in 👇 

Why It Hurts

• It focuses on being right, not being kind

• It creates fear around mistakes

• It teaches kids that learning leads to embarrassment

• It makes children feel small, especially in front of others

According to research, kids learn best in environments that feel safe. Shame blocks growth.

• Fear of trying again

• Avoiding ownership of mistakes

• Over-apologizing or shutting down

• Blaming others instead of reflecting

We are not raising perfect kids.
We are raising thoughtful, growing, human ones.