Portugal's national psychology body launches campaign on parenting language
The Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) has launched a campaign warning that everyday expressions used by adults can negatively impact children's emotional development, urging families across the country to reconsider how they communicate with their children.
The Campaign Message
Launched on International Children's Day (June 1, 2026), the "Escolhe Palavras que Cuidam" (Choose Words that Care) campaign identifies common phrases that can damage children's self-esteem and emotional wellbeing. According to the OPP, expressions like "You don't think?" or "That doesn't hurt!" may harm a child's developing sense of self-worth.
The campaign features a video narrated by children themselves, highlighting six commonly used phrases that professionals argue carry psychological weight beyond what parents intend. The OPP emphasizes that intent doesn't erase impact: a parent frustrated by a child's choices may not mean to wound, but the child may interpret the message differently.
Alternative Language the OPP Recommends
The organization has published a list of alternative phrases designed to validate emotions while still setting boundaries:
• "I'm proud of who you are, not just what you do."
• "What you feel is important."
• "You don't have to hide what's difficult from me."
• "Let's solve this together."
• "You don't have to earn my love."
• "Whatever happens, you can count on me."
The core principle is separating behavior from identity. Saying "That choice didn't work out" instead of "You never learn" keeps feedback specific and preserves the child's sense of capability.
Why This Matters for Portuguese Families
Research indicates that repeated negative language can affect children's emotional regulation and mental health. The OPP's message is clear: the foundation for psychological resilience begins in everyday conversations—at the kitchen table, bedtime, and in the car—where adults and children interact.
The campaign materials are available in video format on the organization's social media channels, with content designed to reach diverse audiences including multilingual families.
The Broader Context
Portugal's historically hierarchical family structures are gradually evolving, with younger parents increasingly treating children as conversation partners rather than subordinates. However, intergenerational households—still common in rural areas and among some families—may create friction when different communication styles clash.
As Portugal continues to address youth mental health challenges, including rising rates of adolescent anxiety, the OPP's campaign centers on a fundamental premise: adults may forget what they say, but children internalize these messages. The organization encourages deliberate practice in choosing language that acknowledges emotion and validates experience.
