The Words That Shape Us: Using Language to Support Emotional Growth in Kids | Lily Howard Scott (EP387)

Minimalist Moms Podcast | All Things Minimalism, Intentionality & Simple Living

In this episode, Diane talks with educator and author Lily Howard Scott about her new book, The Words That Shape Us, and the powerful role language plays in a child’s emotional and cognitive development. Drawing from her experience as a former third-grade teacher and her work with schools and families, Lily shares how everyday words and phrases can shape how children see themselves, manage emotions, and build resilience. She explains the science behind how language affects the brain and offers practical tools for fostering self-regulation, curiosity, and healthy self-talk in both classroom and home environments. From shifting perfectionist thinking to using language that separates feelings from identity, this conversation is full of grounded examples for parents and educators looking to support emotional growth through intentional language.

Links Discussed in This Episode |

• Diane's Resource: Previous Episode: Mental Toughness in Parenting with Steve Magness (EP231)
• Lisa Feldman Barrett
• Rumi - The Guesthouse
• Richard Schwartz
• Book: Ish by Peter Renyolds
• Book: Mistakes That Worked: 40 Familiar Inventions & How They Came to Be
• Book: How Emotions are Made by Lisa Feldman Barrett
• Book: The Book of Delight by Ross Gay
• Book: The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan
• Connect with Lily:
• Book: The Words That Shape Us: The Science-Based Power of Teacher Language
• Website
• Instagram

About Lily |

Lily (MSEd) is a NYC-based educator and author. She supports teachers and school leaders around the country with literacy learning and social and emotional learning (SEL). How kids feel at school is inextricably linked to how they do at school, and Lily helps educators cultivate connected classroom communities in which students feel known, valued, and ready to take the risks that lead to meaningful learning.

Lily presents regularly at national conferences, and her writing about education has been published in The Washington Post and Edutopia, among other publications. Her first book, The Words That Shape Us, was recently released by Scholastic.

For nearly ten years, Lily taught elementary school in both public and independent settings. She’s a third-grade teacher at heart, and the best part of visiting schools is listening to and learning from the brilliant, brave children she meets.

Episode Sponsors |

The Minimalist Moms Podcast would not be possible without the support of weekly sponsors. Choosing brands that I believe in is important to me. I only want to recommend brands that I believe may help you in your daily life. As always, never feel pressured into buying anything. Remember: if you don't need it, it's not a good deal!

Enjoy the Podcast?

Post a review and share it! If you enjoyed tuning into this podcast, then do not hesitate to write a review. You can also share this with your fellow mothers so that they can be inspired to think more and do with less.

Order (or review) my book, Minimalist Moms: Living & Parenting With Simplicity.

Questions |

• You can contact me through my website, find me on Instagram, Pinterest or like The Minimalist Moms Page on Facebook.

• Checkout the Minimalist Moms Podcast storefront for recommendations from Diane.

• If you’ve been struggling with motivation to declutter or work through bad habits that keep you stuck, I’d love to help you achieve your goals! We’ll work together (locally or virtually) to discover what areas in your life are high priority to get you feeling less overwhelmed right away. For more info on my processes, fees, and availability please contact!

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Avocado Green Mattress: https://avocadomattress.com
* Check out Blueland: https://blueland.com/clear
* Check out Happy Mammoth and use my code MINIMALIST for a great deal: https://happymammoth.com
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/minimalist-moms-podcast2093/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy