Words Like Honey

How to Avoid Unintentional Harm, Model Kindness, and Nurture Your Child’s Faith Through What You Say

by: Amy Hughes

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493451494

  Pub. Date

  Sep 2025

  SRP

  $18.99

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About

Our words have an impact on our children, yet how often do we slow down long enough to really think about what that impact might be? Many common phrases we utter as parents have a negative effect on our kids, unintentionally causing anxiety, stress, self-consciousness, or depression. Some of them even become a barrier to our child's faith and their trust in Christ.

In Words Like Honey, sought-after speaker, writer, and mother of nine Amy Hughes explores specific words and phrases we commonly use when talking to our kids and considers the negative impact they may have. Things like
· "Hurry up"
· "Calm down"
· "Don't be sad"
· "You should be ashamed of yourself"
· "God doesn't give you more than you can handle"
· "You just need more faith"
· and more

Then she offers alternative words and phrases, giving us the practical help we need to choose better language in the moment that will build up our children's confidence, faith, and sense of worth in the long run. With support from Scripture, stories, and studies throughout, this book offers compassion and encouragement for all of us who want to parent with more intention.

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Endorsements

"If words shape the world, then Words Like Honey is the blueprint for building something beautiful. Amy Hughes blends wisdom and wit to help parents speak with intention, encouragement, and faith--because the right words don't just fill the air, they fill hearts."

Ginny Yurich, CEO and founder of 1000 Hours Outside

"This book is a hopeful waymaker for parents who long to break generational patterns, delight in their children, and nurture a kind and compassionate home. Amy Hughes's faith-filled approach to conscious parenting reclaims the purpose of motherhood and the passion to love our children well."

Ainsley Arment, author of The Call of the Wild + Free

"If you've ever felt tongue-tied as a parent, you're not alone. Why do some kids fight every request? How can you communicate with clarity without crushing your child's spirit? In Words Like Honey, Amy helps embattled parents find their kindest, clearest voices in order to create bonds of love that last a lifetime."

Julie Bogart, author of The Brave Learner and Help! My Kid Hates Writing

"Words Like Honey by Amy Hughes is a thoughtful exhortation on the power of kind and responsive parenting. Amy beautifully emphasizes the importance of truly knowing our children, honoring who they are, and parenting from a place of trust rather than fear. I especially appreciate her reminder that 'If it is our job to grow whole, healthy children with an authentic faith, we need to set aside fear in order to offer comfort and hope. Fear equates to discomfort. A lack of fear allows for comfort.' While some of my values as a Christian parent might differ from those in the book (since parenting is personal and should vary from family to family), I deeply appreciate her call to release fear and embrace connection, comfort, and hope in the way we speak to and nurture our children."

Jennifer Pepito, author of Habits for a Sacred Home

"Amy Hughes has gifted parents a true treasure with Words Like Honey. With wisdom, humility, and grace, she helps us examine the impact of our words on our children, offering practical guidance to avoid unintentional harm and nurture faith and kindness instead. Amy's gentle approach makes even the toughest truths easy to embrace, and her honest reflections remind us that none of us are perfect--but we can all grow. I thought I understood the power of life-giving words, but this book opened my eyes to so much more. I'm walking away inspired, never shamed, and eager to implement these ideas in my own home. This is a must-read for any parent who desires to speak words of love and truth into their children's hearts. I'm so thankful for this book."

Amber O'Neal Johnston, author of A Place to Belong and Soul School

"In Words Like Honey, Amy Hughes reminds us how the weight of a mother's words can better reveal the depths of our love. With gentleness, care, and a nostalgic smattering of '80s and '90s pop culture, Amy offers us all the remedy for what ails: sweet words."

Erin Loechner, bestselling author of Chasing Slow and The Opt-Out Family

"Words are powerful. They shape our world and form the culture in our homes and families. As parents, we must do all we can to be watchmen on the walls of our children's hearts--starting with their minds--guarding what they hear, see, and carry with them. Amy Hughes's Words Like Honey is a gentle, reflective guide, reminding us how intentional, life-giving speech can nurture our children's hearts, minds, and faith. A must-read for any parent seeking to speak words that reflect God's love and truth."

Leah Boden, author of Modern Miss Mason and the Tales of Boldness and Faith series

"In Words Like Honey, Amy Hughes reminds us of the power of our words, especially when they are spoken to our children. Proverbs 18:21 says, 'The tongue has the power of life and death,' but I didn't understand just how true that was until I read this captivating book. Amy is an excellent writer who effortlessly weaves together theological insights, compelling stories, and practical advice. Words Like Honey is a must-read for anyone who is trying to follow Jesus and interact with kids at the same time."

Zach W. Lambert, pastor of Restore Austin and author of Better Ways to Read the Bible

"Amy is one of the kindest people I know, with a wise and humble spirit, making her an excellent companion and mentor in this motherhood journey. In Words Like Honey, she offers a vision of the importance of the words we speak to our children, then guides us through simple and authentic ways to make our words powerful agents of connection, love, support, and faith. This book is a beautiful resource for anyone wanting to parent with more intention and care."

Lisa Burns, creator of This Pilgrim Life

"Our words hold the power of life and death, as the proverb reminds us. Though I come from a different parenting and theological perspective than Amy, I finished Words Like Honey feeling inspired to be even more intentional in how I use my words to help my children grow into the people they were made to be. The insights about fostering a family culture of openness, especially around questions of faith, are so important. I also appreciated the practical wisdom on repairing relationships when we make mistakes and learning to respond thoughtfully rather than reacting out of triggers. These ideas are a gift to parents seeking to nurture their families with grace, purpose, and words that bring life."

Rachel Kovac, mother of six and writer at Stitched Together

"The words we use impact the next generation for better or worse, and Words Like Honey guides us in choosing words that have a positive impact for generations to come."

Alisha Roth, author of the upcoming book Courageous Divorce

"In a world filled with noise, Words Like Honey is a quiet anthem for kindness and intentionality. Amy Hughes's compassionate voice reminds parents that our words hold immense power to nurture our children's faith and sense of belonging. With a blend of practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement, Amy has penned a song of hope for parents longing to model grace and communicate with love."

Leslie M. Martino, author of The Joy of Slow

"Words Like Honey is a kind invitation to care for ourselves as imperfect parents of kids--and children of imperfect parents--while navigating a complex Christian culture. This book is a needed companion for readers hungry for practical and formative ways to love our kids with the words we speak while modeling repair along the journey."

Sara Billups, author of Orphaned Believers and Nervous Systems

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