Let’s talk about the power of words, especially those we hear growing up.

In the landscape of our childhood, the words and phrases our parents use can shape our entire worldview. It’s a bit like how a writer carefully chooses each word to craft a compelling narrative. But instead of a book, it’s your life story being written.

If you heard certain phrases from your folks, chances are they were emotionally mature parents. These phrases, like well-placed punctuation marks, have likely molded you into a balanced, empathetic individual.

So let’s dive into this topic – “You know you were raised by emotionally mature parents if you heard these 8 phrases growing up”. We’re going to explore these phrases and why they’re so significant. 

1) “It’s okay to make mistakes”

Mistakes are a part of life, and emotionally mature parents understand this. They know that errors and mishaps are not just inevitable, but they’re also valuable learning opportunities.

In the grand tapestry of our upbringing, hearing the phrase “it’s okay to make mistakes” is like a comforting motif woven throughout. This simple statement is packed with reassurance, acceptance, and understanding.

Emotionally mature parents view their child’s mistakes as chances for growth.

Hearing “it’s okay to make mistakes” from your parents likely instilled in you a sense of safety in trial-and-error, encouraging you to take calculated risks and learn from the outcomes.

If this phrase was a regular part of your childhood lexicon, it’s a good sign your parents approached their parenting role with emotional maturity. And that’s something you can be thankful for.

2) “I’m proud of you”

Growing up, I always felt a warm sense of pride radiating from my parents.

I remember one instance clearly. I had just come home from school, beaming with excitement. I’d won the school spelling bee, something I’d worked tirelessly for weeks to achieve.

As I shared the news, my dad looked at me, his eyes gleaming with joy, and he said, “I’m proud of you.”

Those words, so simple yet profound, resonated within me. The pride in his voice wasn’t just about my achievement; it was about the effort and dedication I’d put into it. It was an affirmation that they recognized my hard work and were proud of me for it.

Emotionally mature parents use this phrase not just to celebrate big wins, but also to acknowledge their child’s efforts, growth and character development. It’s a phrase that builds self-esteem and a positive self-image.

If you heard “I’m proud of you” growing up, it shows your parents cared about nurturing your sense of self-worth.

3) “How do you feel about that?”

This phrase is an invitation, a signal from emotionally mature parents that they’re ready and willing to navigate the choppy waters of their child’s emotions.

It’s a keen sign of empathy, indicating a readiness to understand their child’s feelings and experiences.

Emotionally mature parents understand the importance of helping their kids articulate their feelings. Asking “How do you feel about that?” encourages emotional expression and fosters emotional intelligence.

Did you know emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in overall success in life?

According to psychologist Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence matters as much as intellectual ability, if not more so, for success in life. So, if this phrase was common in your household, it was your parents’ way of setting you up for success.

4) “No one’s perfect”

This phrase may seem simple, but it carries a profound truth. Emotionally mature parents often use this phrase to teach their children about the reality of human imperfection.

“No one’s perfect” is a gentle reminder that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. It’s an important lesson in humility and understanding, fostering compassion towards oneself and others.

This phrase also helps children manage their expectations, preventing them from striving for an unattainable ideal of perfection.

It encourages acceptance and understanding, both of which are crucial for maintaining healthy relationships in life.

5) “I’m sorry”

Hearing your parents apologize is a touching experience. It’s a moment of vulnerability that shows their willingness to admit their mistakes.

“I’m sorry” isn’t just a phrase; it’s an act of humility, a testament to the power of forgiveness and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Emotionally mature parents aren’t afraid to say they’re sorry. They understand that it doesn’t show weakness, but rather strength and respect towards the other person.

When parents apologize to their children, they are modeling important behavior and teaching them about accountability, humility, and the healing power of an apology.

If your parents often said “I’m sorry” when they were wrong, it was their way of showing you how to navigate the world with kindness, responsibility, and emotional maturity.

6) “It’s okay to cry”

Life isn’t always easy. There are moments of great joy, but there are also moments of profound sadness. And in those moments, tears can be a natural response.

I remember the day my childhood pet passed away. I was heartbroken, trying to fight back the tears. But my mom, seeing my struggle, gently said, “It’s okay to cry.”

This phrase is an affirmation that it’s perfectly alright to express our emotions openly, even if those emotions are painful. Emotionally mature parents understand this and encourage their children to express their feelings instead of bottling them up.

In a world that often frowns upon open displays of emotion, being told that “it’s okay to cry” can be incredibly liberating. It taught me that my feelings were valid and that expressing them was healthy and necessary.

7) “I believe in you”

There’s a special kind of magic in hearing someone you look up to express their belief in you.

“I believe in you” is more than just a phrase. It’s a powerful affirmation that instills confidence, encourages perseverance, and sparks motivation.

Emotionally mature parents frequently use this phrase to show their unwavering faith in their child’s abilities. It’s their way of saying, “I see your potential, I acknowledge your efforts, and I support your dreams.”

This phrase can be a beacon of hope in challenging times, and a fuel for ambition during times of doubt. If your parents often told you “I believe in you”, it shows their emotional maturity and their commitment to nurturing your self-belief and resilience.

8) “I love you”

The most powerful phrase of all, “I love you,” carries a weight of emotion that is unparalleled. Emotionally mature parents express their love not just through actions, but also in words.

Saying “I love you” regularly to a child fosters a deep sense of security, belonging and value. It’s an affirmation that they are loved unconditionally, irrespective of their achievements or missteps.

Unconditional love is the cornerstone of emotional maturity. When parents express this love verbally, they lay a strong emotional foundation for their child’s development.

If you were told “I love you” frequently growing up, it’s the ultimate sign of having emotionally mature parents.

Final thoughts: The power of words

The impact of our parents’ words on our upbringing is an undeniable force that shapes us, molds us, and defines who we become.

The phrases we’ve discussed are not just words; they’re fundamental components of emotionally mature parenting. They’re the building blocks that help construct a child’s self-esteem, emotional intelligence, resilience, and empathy.

However, these phrases are not a checklist but more of a guide indicating emotional maturity. So if you found yourself nodding along as you read this, it’s a testament to your parents’ emotional maturity and their positive influence on your life.

As we navigate through life and possibly parenthood ourselves, let’s carry these phrases with us. We may find them becoming our own vocabulary, shaping the next generation with understanding, compassion, and emotional maturity.

Because in the end, the power of our words can echo for generations.