Parenting Techniques Vocabulary

adjective helping to improve; promoting further development or advancement

• The committee had a constructive meeting to discuss the new project proposal.
• I appreciate your constructive feedback on my presentation.
• Let's keep the conversation constructive and avoid any unnecessary drama.
• In order to build a strong relationship, it is important to lay down a foundation of constructive communication.

noun a feeling or expression of disapproval; censure or condemnation

• The committee expressed their disapproval of the new policy proposal.
• My parents showed their disapproval when they saw my messy room.
• I could tell by the look on her face that she was throwing some major shade of disapproval.
• The dark clouds looming overhead seemed to cast a shadow of disapproval over the town.

verb to cause annoyance or dissatisfaction

• It would displease the board if the project was not completed on time.
• I hope I didn't displease you by changing the plans last minute.
• I really don't want to displease my boss, so I'm going to work extra hard this week.
• Her decision to leave the company may displease some of her colleagues.

noun a quality or state of being harsh; severity or strictness

adjective harsh

• The harshness of the punishment was meant to deter future crimes.
• I couldn't believe the harshness of her criticism towards him.
• The teacher's harshness towards us is totally uncalled for.
• The harshness of winter seemed to never end, with snow piling up higher and higher.

verb to make someone less angry or hostile by giving in to their demands

• The company tried to placate the angry customers by offering them a full refund.
• I tried to placate my upset friend by buying them their favorite snack.
• She tried to placate her parents by promising to clean her room, but they didn't buy it.
• The politician's attempt to placate the opposing party only served to escalate tensions further.

verb to make or become tougher or stronger

adjective having strength or resilience

• The new training program is designed to toughen up our employees for the challenges ahead.
• If you want to get stronger, you'll have to toughen up and push yourself harder at the gym.
• You need to toughen up and stop letting things get to you so easily.
• Going through difficult times can toughen you up and make you more resilient in the long run.