How do you tap into your child’s inner strength and build their self-confidence through praise? Experts suggest five ways to inspire parents to praise their children more appropriately.
Praise effort over results
When evaluating a child’s performance, many parents tend to focus on the numbers and achievements while overlooking their effort and progress. This can unintentionally affect their motivation and self-confidence.
Instead, parents should acknowledge the process and effort, regardless of the final outcome. For example, when a child achieves a goal, parents can say: “I noticed your hard work, and I truly admire your focus and perseverance.” Such praise emphasizes and encourages a child’s dedication, encouraging a positive work ethic when facing future challenges.
Praising effort over results.
This approach also helps children develop intrinsic motivation and appreciate the learning process and hard work rather than solely focusing on external achievements. As a result, they will cultivate patience and resilience to overcome difficulties in achieving their goals, instead of being discouraged by failures or unexpected outcomes.
Additionally, children will feel understood and supported by their parents, leading to increased trust and willingness to share their challenges and struggles.
Specific and sincere praise
Vague and general praise can make children feel insincere and have little positive impact. Instead, specific praise helps them understand the positive impact of their actions more clearly.
For instance, parents can say to their child: “Today, you helped your older brother tidy up the toys. This saved us time and made cleaning the house easier.” This type of praise highlights the specific action and shows appreciation for the child’s contributions.
This has a significant effect on a child’s development. When parents acknowledge their positive actions, children feel recognized and encouraged, motivating them to continue striving. On the other hand, general praise like “You’re so smart” or “You’re a good boy”, although well-intended, can feel shallow and fail to highlight specific accomplishments.
Specific and sincere praise.
Praise that emphasizes progress
Every step forward, no matter how small, deserves recognition and encouragement from parents. This is crucial for children to realize their growth and further enhance their motivation to learn and develop.
For example, parents can say to their child: “I remember you struggled with this before, but now you’ve mastered it. You’re truly making progress.” This type of praise not only acknowledges progress but also helps children see their personal growth.
Recognizing and celebrating small steps has several benefits. Firstly, it boosts children’s self-confidence and motivation to learn. When their efforts are acknowledged, children believe in their abilities, feel happy, and take pride in their achievements. This drives them to continue striving and overcoming challenges to make even greater strides.
Additionally, focusing on small improvements teaches children to value the process rather than solely the outcome.
Praise that emphasizes progress.
Praise that encourages innovation and uniqueness
Every child is unique and creative in their own way. Encouraging them to explore these qualities is the best way to inspire the development of positive traits such as creativity and a willingness to take risks.
For example, when a child solves a problem in a unique way, parents can say: “That’s a truly creative solution, and I like the way you thought about it.” Such praise conveys the message that their uniqueness and creativity are valued.
When children feel valued and cherished, they become more confident in expressing their ideas and are more willing to experiment with new approaches. This lays the foundation for them to develop their creative abilities, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving capabilities.
Praise that encourages innovation and uniqueness.
Praise that emphasizes teamwork and collaboration
In today’s modern society, teamwork and collaboration are essential. When parents acknowledge and praise their children’s positive behaviors in group activities, they foster the development of these skills and qualities.
Appropriate praise helps improve communication skills, build social relationships, and recognize the value and importance of collaboration.
When children are recognized for their teamwork by their parents, they develop a deeper understanding of the value of cooperation and become more proactive and engaged in group activities.
Praise is a powerful tool that can unlock a child’s potential and guide them toward a brighter future.
