Happy Fresh Start Friday!

It’s been said that life imitates art.

Many years ago, a sitcom called Sanford and Son aired weekly on national television. The main character, Fred Sanford, often called his adult son Lamont a “big dummy.” The studio audience erupted in laughter every time. It became a catchphrase repeated in some households, playgrounds, and classrooms.

Imagine being called a “dummy” over and over by someone who was supposed to build you up.

Language is not just entertainment; it becomes the internal dialogue we carry into adulthood. When society laughs at put-downs, it teaches children to brush off genuine pain and pretend it doesn’t matter. That can have lasting impacts on confidence and self-image.

Laughter normalizes insults. Pop culture often turns hurtful phrases into punchlines. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “You’re stupid,” followed by laughter, as if humor erases harm.

What if we flipped the script?
Instead of tearing down, we could affirm. Instead of “You’re stupid,” we could say:

• “You’re funny.”
• “You’re creative.”
• “You’re brilliant.”

Every word is a seed. We get to decide if we’re planting weeds or flowers.

When it comes to children, we MUST be intentional with our words.

We brush off hurtful words because others laugh them away. We play along because the “audience” seems entertained. But the truth is this: words matter. They shape the way we see ourselves, the way we carry our confidence, and the way we show up in the world.

Choose your script. Consciously create environments that celebrate growth and kindness instead of tearing down. This principle applies not only to children but to every relationship, workplace, and community.

Imagine the ripple effect if each of us made a daily choice to speak life, offer encouragement, and affirm every person’s worth.

This Fresh Start Friday, let’s commit to using our words and actions to build...not break.

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With love and confidence,
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Kim Wilson
www.kimwilsonspeaks.com