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7 phrases that will destroy your child
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The words we say to our children have a powerful impact. Be careful not to say these phrases that will ruin your kids. - photo by Miriam Aguirre
The anger, fatigue and frustration that come with everyday problems may make us say things we dont really mean. The effects of these words, however, are out of your control and may not be what you expect. Here are the worst things you can say to your kids, no matter how old they are; but especially to little children.

1. "Dont cry; it's not a big deal."

They're just kids, right? So they have no worries, sorrows, disappointments or fears. As adults, we often make the mistake of thinking this way. Children have just as much, if not more, emotional capacity than adults. The difference is that they can't express themselves or calm themselves the way we can. Isnt that much worse? Never belittle a fear, a scratch, a doubt or a conflict that is going on with your child. Help him to react to it and overcome it in a healthy way.

2. "I wish you were more like your brother."

We gain nothing by comparing our children; but doing so can create resentment among family members. Make sure that comparisons dont exist in your home. Each of your children is unique and special in his own way.

3. "You can never do anything right."

Nobody wants to hear this. Imagine the uncomfortable feeling when your innocent daughter hears you say words like that. If your daughter was wrong, broke something, or ruined a cake, take a deep breath and ask yourself what is most important. The answer is always the same: Your children are more important than anything else.

4. "You embarrass me."

If your child has a tendency to draw attention in public by doing things like yelling, jumping, or running and singing at high volumes, maybe she just needs more attention. Dont express your embarrassment in front of your friends or even in private. Why not plan a show at home where she is the star? Maybe your child will discover her artistic side and you will have a good time as a family.

5. "You're fat/ugly/stupid."

Our children believe what we tell them. We are their most reliable source of information and also the ultimate source of love. Do not damage the self-esteem of your children with negative adjectives. Focus on their strengths instead of emphasizing the negative.

6. "I wish you had never been born."

I cannot think of anything worse that anyone could tell a little child. Never, in any situation, tell this to your children, even in jest. We all need to know we are wanted and loved, regardless of the mistakes we make.

7. "Ive had enough; I don't love you."

Sometimes, without realizing it, we start joking with our children. Your 3-year-old daughter is frustrated because she cant eat a second helping of ice cream for dinner. After explaining several times why she cant have it, she gets angry, cries, and says she does not love you. It would be easy to say the same thing; however, this only damages your daughter. The correct reaction would be to explain again why she cant have more dessert and remind her that you will always love her, even if she's angry with you. She will learn much more than you can imagine from this lesson.

With minor adjustments and always considering the feelings and welfare of our children, we can avoid these harmful phrases and have a relationship of love, protection and well-being at home.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.