ABSTRACT
Thoughtless or supposedly humorous comments directed at a young child may seem harmless to the speaker or even funny to those listening, but to the child receiving them they can be hurtful and crushing to self-esteem and peer relationships. These types of comments can be quite damaging and the effect can last with the child for many years. Almost every adult who has been through the education system will be able to recall an incident with a teacher that has remained in their memory ever since. In some cases the incident will have been something pleasant that enthused or motivated them. In others, the upset or discomfort they experienced at the time may never go away. It is not only the comments and phrases intended to be funny that can cause short- and long-term damage.
