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

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 i