Do you know how words have an influence on others? Amy Beth Gardner chose a(n) ________ way to teach her daughter Breonna about this. She wrote on Facebook, “My daughter will ________ middle school tomorrow. We’ve prepared new uniforms, a new schoolbag and some other things for her. But tonight, just before bed, we did another pre-middle school ________ that is far more important than others.”

Then she described ________ she took a tube (管) of toothpaste (牙膏) and asked her daughter to empty the toothpaste onto a plate. After she did so, Amy Beth asked her to put the toothpaste ________ into the tube. It was really a crazy request (要求), so Breonna ________, “But I can’t! It won’t be like what it was before.”

Amy Beth then gave an important ________ to her child. “You will remember this toothpaste for the rest of your life. Your words have the power of life ________ death. As you go into middle school, you are going to see how much ________ your words carry. You are going to have the chance to use your words to hurt, wound and put down others. You are also going to have the chance to use your words to help, encourage and ________ others.”

Amy Beth knows that ________ fails sometimes. But it is her duty to ________ her daughter to pay attention. Just like this toothpaste, once the words leave your ________, you can’t take them back.

“Use your words carefully, Breonna. When others are misusing (滥用) their words, ________ your words. Please be aware of your gentleness and don’t _______ to choose kindness.”