How to Effectively Use Praise in Your Parenting

Children need plenty of feedback as they are growing up. There is no doubt about that. It is what helps teach them right from wrong and keeps them on track. Parents are usually pretty quick and consistent in point out the things they need to improve upon. But when it comes to praise, it may be a stickier issue, yet an important one. Focusing on giving an appropriate amount of praise is important in raising a healthy kid.

Praising Children Pays

Giving kids praise is important for several reasons. First, it helps to give them confidence. They will have a healthier self-esteem and will also be more motivated to try doing things. Yet giving praise requires a delicate balance in order to be effective. If you can master the art of giving effective praise, the rewards will greatly pay off!

Effectively use Praise in your Parenting:

• Avoid over-praising. If you praise every little thing, or too much, it will have a watered down effect. Dole out the praise here and there, rather than with each little thing they do.
• Praise specific things, rather than giving blanket praises. For example, instead of telling them they are smart because they did well on their spelling test, tell them they did a really good job studying for it.
• Offer some praise for their effort, whether it is in playing a game or helping to clean the house. Some people focus only on praising the win, but not everyone wins. Praising their effort will help to motivate them to try again, as well as keep them from feeling that there is no reason to try if you can't always win.
• Be sincere when giving kids praise. Children can sense if you are really paying attention and providing positive feedback, or if you are just saying things that you don't really mean.

Positive Reinforcement

When it comes to praise, using positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to help raise healthy and confident kids. It is important to focus on the positive things that they do, offering praise where appropriate. Just aim to maintain a balance so you don't overdo it, and your efforts will go a long way toward creating long-term benefits.