Power Of Praise - How to encourage positive behaviour in children and teens
What if I told you I'm going to show you how to use praise effectively? I hear some of you saying but I already use praise! Yes but read on and you will be pleased you did. First I'm going to explain why praise is one of the most effective tools in raising happy, well-balanced children. AND it's FREE!
Next I'll answer some questions I'm often asked by parents about praising children.
Finally I'll demonstrate how descriptive praise will motivate your child.
Why is praising your child so important?Praising your child is important because:
It shifts your focus so you feel and view your child more positively You demonstrate you've noticed and appreciate his actions It makes him feel valued and builds up his self-esteem It reinforces good behaviour because it teaches him how we want him to behaveFour FAQ relating to praiseDoes praise spoil children? Children are not spoiled by praise nor do they only work for external rewards. On the contrary children who receive little or no praise become demanding or attention seeking.
Isn't praise manipulative? The purpose of praise is to increase positive behaviour with the child's knowledge. Everybody responds favourably to praise.
Shouldn't I wait until his behaviour has improved before I give praise? To initiate a behaviour change a parent must first praise the smallest positive actions as this teaches a child how we want them to behave.
What should I do my child rejects praise? Some children have difficulty accepting praise because they view themselves negatively. However you can help improve their self-esteem by continuing to praise and eventually your child will enjoy being praised.
How to use descriptive praise effectivelySometimes parents praise their children in ineffective ways. Here are four ways you can maximize your effectiveness in praising your child. Be specific, praise appropriately, demonstrate enthusiasm and avoid mixing positive praise with negative comments. Lead by example model self praise for example, 'I did a good job redecorating the bedroom'. Children love to hear you praising them to others.
Specific or descriptive praise 'Good boy' or 'well done' is non-specific and therefore ineffective because such phrases do not describe the behaviour you are praising. It is rather more effective to say, 'Good boy for tidying the toys away when I asked' or 'I'm pleased you ate all your dinner'.
Appropriate praise It is important to praise your child's behaviour when it occurs and when the behaviour is appropriate. For example you would not praise your child for writing their name if it was written on the tablecloth. However you would praise your child for actually sharing his toys with his friend. The knack is to catch them being good, praise immediately and ignore low-level inappropriate behaviour. Praising inappropriate behaviour is confusing and misleading.
Demonstrate enthusiasm If you sound bored or look glum when offering praise it will be ineffective. Praise is reinforcing to children when it is delivered with eye contact, a smile, energy, hugs and sincerity. However if you are unused to giving praise it may sound artificial at first but if you but persevere it will soon feel genuine and natural.
Avoid giving praise and negative comments simultaneously Some people fall into the trap of giving 'backhanded praise. For example saying 'Thank you for singing to the baby instead of hitting her as you usually do'. This has the effect of being contradictory or feels to the child like a put down. Don't make a sarcastic or critical remark about old inappropriate behaviours as this negates the positive reinforcement. If you sound discouraging your child will stop trying.
To sum up….. Praise increases your child's self-esteem and confidence It helps you view your child positively Catch him being good and Praise immediately and consistently Give positive praise Praise descriptively, appropriately and enthusiastically Give eye contact, hugs, pats, kisses and smiles with praise Model self-praiseHave you noticed that effective praise is a matter of showing your child how you want them to behave? By reinforcing their behaviour whenever they share, comply with requests or use their initiative you socialise your child. It's quite simple isn't it?
Related Tags: children, how, to, in, power, teens, positive, praise, encourage, and, behaviour, of
Are you the parent your children deserve? Successful parenting skills can be learnt. Let me teach you the skills so you can be a great parent. Henrietta Joyce is currently offering a free teleclass. Enrol now email henriettajoyce@yahoo.co.uk or text 07962 213 006 (UK) Book now first 10 get win a free holiday http://www.effectiveparenting.co.uk Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Important Things to Know About an Assisted Living Residence in Texas
n assisted living residence is a facility designed for senior citizens or persons with disabilities - Understanding How the Probate Process Works
The probate process is required within the U.S. to settle estates of deceased persons. The time requ - Fun Ideas for the Family During the Christmas Holiday
The Yuletide season is one of the most awaited holidays of the year because it is the time for joy a - How To Find The Right Composite Decking Deck Builders
Another rising home improvement project homeowners are starting to do a lot more of is the composite - Every Home Should Have A Radiant Barrier
The most easy and successful home improvement project you can do to your House, would be to install - The Different Types Of Rain Gutters
When purchasing a house or planning to do improvements to a home, there is always one project that s - How To Get The Best Replacement Windows For Your Home
Installing replacement windows can be the single most important home improvement project you can do - Holiday Accommodation Gold Coast: Pointers For Selecting The Best
With a multitude of holiday accommodations in Gold Coast, choosing the one for yourself can be quite - Want Holiday Accommodation In Gold Coast Queensland? Get Online To Find The Best Deal In A Quick, Co
There are several ways to find holiday accommodation in Gold Coast. You may refer to travel guides t - Celebrate The Ten-days Festival Of Navratri.
Dasara known as Dussehra, Navaratri, Vijaya Dashami is a festival of triumph of GOOD over Evil. The
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Adoptees Need Support When Voicing Feelings about Birth Parents
"I feel like a mistake.""I'm not like them.""Where's my family?""Why can't I find a suitable career? - Progressive Cooking: All About 'cuisine'
The French are known for their interest in art and all that is fine. It therefore comes as no surpri - Moroccan Decor - Oh My! Make Your Home Shine With Moroccan Rugs and Tapestries.
It is said in Morocco that he who enters Fez with a rug will leave with a moneybag. This saying o - Online Criminal Background Checks-Importance & Ease
Have you ever thought your new neighbor looks like one of the pictures on the post office bulletin b - Installing A Burglar Alarm
Want to protect your home? Ready to install a burglar alarm? The popularity of the home burglar ala - Lowe's Backyard Playground Sets
Lowe's is an excellent first place to look for anyone who is looking for the best swing sets on the - How Could Short Term Health Insurance Help Me?
Short-term health insurance plans allow people to have health insurance for a limited amount of time - Watch Out For Those Stinky Skunks!
There are various species of skunks found throughout the United States including the striped, spotte - Asthma In Kids: An Increasing Epidemic
Many believe that the majority of asthma cases are confined to adults, but this is definitely an inc - Stairlifts For Riders Of Above Average Weight
A stairlift is an affordable device that is used to give people with limited mobility access to the