“Word budgets”

Have you ever wanted to talk to someone, but they just didn’t say much or want to talk back to you?

Did you know that some people (like Teddy Bearon, in fact!) have “word budgets…” meaning that they only have so many words to “spend” on us or speak each day. They can force themselves to use more words, but it may cost them dearly.

Sometimes our friends and family may use up their word budgets at work or school. They may seem quiet when they are around us or even listening to our big ideas we want to talk about. It doesn’t mean they don’t care, but that they just don’t have any words to spend at that moment.

Did you know… you can help them fill their “word budget” for later by doing certain things? Try some of Teddy Bearon’s favorites:

• Understand they need quiet time

• Give them (quiet) space to think

• Speak with your actions instead of words (a really good hug speaks volumes!)

• Let them get a good night’s sleep (some rest or a nap goes a long way!)