If you are a parent or guardian, you probably know that what you say to your children has a significant impact on them. If you encourage them and give them a reason to strive for their future, they will grow up to be determined individuals who know how to overcome obstacles. However, if you criticize them and make them feel small, they will go out into the world expecting to be defeated and may shy away from taking risks.

Words are incredibly powerful, and Stacey Truman, a mother and employee at Kingston Primary School in Virginia, understands this very well. Stacey has been working in the school cafeteria for nine years now, and during this time, she has watched children grow into teenagers and embark on their journey in the real world.

As a mother and an employee, Stacey can’t help but feel a maternal instinct when the kids come to the cafeteria for lunch. She wants to do something meaningful for them, something that will inspire them and help them see things from a different perspective. Inspired by a routine she had with her own children, Stacey came up with the idea of “Talking Bananas.”

Every day, Stacey would pack her kids’ lunches and include a message to encourage and motivate them. She realized that these simple words had the power to change their mindset and make their lives a little easier. With this in mind, she started writing uplifting messages on the bananas in the school cafeteria so that the students would have some inspiration with their lunches.

Word quickly spread about Stacey’s act of kindness. The school administration and parents noticed what she was doing. One day, the principal visited the lunchroom, picked up a banana, and discovered the phrase, “Be your best self” written on it. Without much thought, she took a picture and shared it on Twitter along with the heartwarming story. The post went viral, with moms all over the country applauding Stacey for her thoughtful gesture.

The students were thrilled with their “talking bananas.” They couldn’t wait for lunch break to rush to the cafeteria and see what message awaited them. Stacey continues to reach out to the children with these positive messages, hoping to inspire them to achieve great things and live their lives without negativity.

The words children encounter as they grow up play a significant role in shaping their future. They need someone to tell them that the world can be a better place if they make it so. They need to learn the value of determination, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. It’s essential for kids to understand how to set their priorities in life and that there are good-hearted people out there.

As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to shield our children from negativity and critics. Instead, let’s speak life into them and empower them to become the best versions of themselves.