Grandparents Use These Common Phrases With Their Grandkids — But They're Actually Pretty Toxic.

As grandparents, you want all of your relatives to feel happy, loved and connected in your company. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen.

Sometimes, unintentional or even well-meaning comments from grandma and grandpa can “create an environment where grandkids feel uncomfortable or insecure,” Ann-Louise Lockhart, a pediatric psychologist and president of A New Day Pediatric Psychology in San Antonio, told HuffPost.

That’s why it’s important to be more mindful about how we communicate with our grandkids not just during this time but all year round.

“It can be hard to change the way you say things but it’s important to be intentional with your words, and be aware of how much words can impact the way your grandkids think and feel about themselves and their relationship with you,” Lockhart said.

We asked Lockhart and other experts which common phrases are best avoided and what to say instead.