Power of words

When I was about 10, someone criticised my singing voice. She said " You croaked like a frog. You can't sing!" The stinging words are still felt by me whenever I lend my voice to a teachers' day choir presentation. When I became a teacher, I realise how my words of encouragement or discouragment will have an immense effect on students.
Sometimes in a heated argument with my daughter, I fail to remember the power of my words. Hurtful exchanges are verbalised.I hope to do better with each passing day.
I hope you will too.