TeachKind’s ‘Words Matter: A Language Guide for Teaching and Raising Kind Kids’

Language about animals can be disrespectful, misleading, and even harmful at times, which is why we created a language guide to put a positive spin on the ways we teach children to think and speak about them.

You’ve probably heard the phrase “kill two birds with one stone.” This language guide shares simple updates to such language, such as “feed two birds with one scone,” to help you incorporate kindness to animals into your everyday expressions. For example, instead of calling animals “it,” as if they were inanimate objects, it’s important to recognize them as thinking, feeling individuals by referring to them as “he,” “she,” or “they.” This guide will also show you how to explain to children why calling someone a “chicken,” a “pig,” or a “rat” as an insult is not only unkind but also harmful to animals. These are just a few examples of the fabulous tips and ideas you’ll find in this guide.

In a world where incidents of bullying, violence at school, and violence against animals have been increasing at alarming rates, everyone needs more kindness, especially when it comes to language. Download “Words Matter” to learn how to cultivate kinder language at home and in the classroom!