The holiday season is typically a time that families across generations gather to celebrate with one another. As grandparents , you want all of your relatives to feel happy, loved and connected in your company. Unfortunately, that doesnt 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.

Thats why its 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 its 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.

One note before we dive in though: If youve used any of the below phrases before or happen to slip up in the future try not to worry too much or beat yourself up over it.

Its never too late to start being more mindful of how you approach interactions with your grandchildren, said Andrea Dorn , a psychotherapist and author of the Mindful Steps childrens book series .

1. Dont tell your parents ...

Maybe its sneaking your grandkids an extra Christmas cookie (or two) behind their parents back, or letting them stay up past their bedtime and whispering, Itll be our little secret. Any time youre encouraging your grandkids to keep something from their parents it can be harmful, Atlanta clinical psychologist Zainab Delawalla told HuffPost.

It undercuts parental authority, which can have long-standing consequences, she said. Furthermore, it models for kids that they might find themselves in situations where its in their best interest not to tell their parents. This can be especially dangerous if a child is being groomed by a predator or feels bad about themselves for getting bullied.

Instead, you want to reinforce the importance of being honest with their parents no matter what.

Grandparents can find other ways of doting on their grandchildren without crossing the boundaries their parents have put in place, Delawalla said.

2. Youre getting so big! Have you put on weight?

Comments about a childs body or weight are a huge no, Lockhart said, as they can contribute to body image and self-esteem issues.

As responsible adults, its our duty to support and encourage children to be confident in their own skin, she said. Lets avoid making any comments that could potentially harm their self-worth and lead to insecurity. I hear about it constantly in my practice from young children through adults. Harsh comments from grandparents like this are remembered and replayed over and over again.