The
Importance of Praise From Parents
While it can be easy to
focus on your child’s negative behaviors, taking for granted the things he is
doing well can have negative consequences on his choices and self-image. By
taking time to praise your child, you can encourage a strong parent-child
bond as well as foster positive behaviors. Praise does not just need to be
verbal, however. Hugs, high-fives and other signs of approval can be just as
effective as telling a child that you are proud of him or her.
Praise is a simple yet
effective discipline strategy that increases positive behaviors in
children. By paying attention to positive behaviors and showing children that
you notice when they are behaving, praise can motivate them to improve their
behaviors and continue to be compliant.
Praise needs to be genuine,
sincere and focused on your child's effort and hard work, not necessarily the
outcome. For example, you should praise and encourage your child for going
to basketball practice, working hard on their skills and facing new challenges,
not just praise them when he/she wins the game.
Though praising your child
is a vital part of fostering their confidence and self-esteem, the quality of
the praise is more important than the quantity. Avoid praising your children's
attributes ("You're so pretty and smart.") and instead focus on their
actions ("You worked so hard on that project."). Encourage kids to
try new, more difficult activities through praise, rather than rewarding and
acknowledging them for the things that come easy.
By being genuine and
specific with your praise and encouragement, you can help build your child's
self-confidence while teaching him/her about the importance of effort and hard
work. Try to eliminate constant negativity in your household and put the focus
on all the wonderful, positive things your children are doing instead.
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