In this article in Principal, Windy Lopez-Aflitto (Learning Heroes) says the words educators use can confuse or worry parents. Some examples and suggested alternatives:
What we say: self-regulation
What parents hear: This sounds like my child is going through some kind of therapy.
Try this: self-control
What we say: grit
What parents hear: dirt, difficulty, something hard
Try this: taking on challenges, pushing yourself, learning from mistakes and effort
What we say: growth mindset
What parents hear: The ability of child’s mind to expand and grow increases over time.
Try this: learning from mistakes, hard work pays off, it’s all in the effort
What we say: executive function
What parents hear: Is this going to the bathroom?
Try this: organizational skills, setting goals, ability to focus, managing time well
What we say: resilience, perseverance, persistence
What parents hear: Their child is unhappy or struggling.
Try this: bouncing back, sticking with it, learning from mistakes, overcoming obstacles
“The Power of School-Home Partnerships” by Windy Lopez-Aflitto in Principal, May/June 2026
Please Note: This summary is reprinted with permission from issue #1137 of The Marshall Memo, an excellent resource for educators.
