Us dads are learning how to walk out this thing called fatherhood.

(Which is why 9 out of 10 young dads recommend subscribing to our email list if you haven’t already.)

But this month we are going to be addressing one aspect of talk that isn’t cheap.

What you say to your kids matters a whole heck of a lot – and some words can be very expensive.

A few times I remember being told by my stepdad that I was “the stupidest kid he’s ever seen”. As a retired chief in the Navy, he definitely had a way with words. A way that I’ve tried hard not to replicate. Having him talk to me like that cost a lot. Eventually, I got to the point where I was very insecure about whether I was messing up and this made even the most mundane tasks surprisingly unpleasant if he was around.

But you know what’s surprising? I think there are some words that were more valuable than even the harshest criticism and negativity. But these are words I never heard, though like you, I wish I had. Or maybe some of you did.

“Son, I love you.”

[pause and reflect]

Yes – what we say to our kids matters. It matters more than we realize. And that’s what we are focusing on this month. Talk isn’t always cheap!