How Your Language Shapes Kids, Connection, and Respect | Interview with Amy Hughes, author, Words Like Honey

Words Like Honey: How Your Language Shapes Kids, Connection, and Respect | Amy Hughes InterviewDian Griesel interviews author Amy Hughes, author of Words Like Honey, about how everyday words and tone affect children’s feelings, behavior, learning, and long-term beliefs. Hughes shares her own communication struggles and a key moment when her daughter misinterpreted a joking comment (“I stole it”) for years, illustrating how kids process language literally and developmentally. They discuss “stinging” phrases like “Don’t be sad,” “Calm down,” “Hurry up,” and “What’s wrong with you?” and offer alternatives that validate emotions, add clarity, and build connection. Hughes explains adapting communication by age (play/reward for younger kids, context for older kids), “connect before we correct,” using a “time-in” space, saying “we” to reduce isolation, and allowing respectful pushback (“present another way”). The conversation also covers fear-based authority, respect vs fear, modeling communication through questions and apologies, and giving yourself grace and repairing relationships at any age.Get your copy of Words Like Honey Here: https://amzn.to/4gcNhYePlease SUBSCRIBE! I’m Dian Griesel aka @SilverDisobedience to my hundreds of thousands of monthly blog readers. You can learn more about me here:   ⁠⁠https://diangriesel.com⁠⁠ For nearly 40 years, I’ve helped people understand what they may be missing — in themselves, in others, and in the situations they face — so they can communicate with greater clarity, make wiser decisions, and navigate both business and life more effectively."Raw, truth-driven conversations with fascinating guests — from business & psychology to careers, pop culture & the B.S. in between." Expect bold questions. Unfiltered insights. A few laughs. Real growth. Subscribe & Join the Conversation.