IF CHILDREN LIVE WITH PRAISE,
THEY LEARN APPRECIATION.
If they learn to appreciate themselves even from a very young age, our children will have an internal source of emotional support and nourishment that is always available to them.
We can model behavior that strikes a balance between kindness and frankness, honesty and diplomacy, by showing our children through our own actions how to negotiate the delicate but important social interactions we encounter in our daily lives.
When we praise our children, we also provide them with a model for how to notice and express their appreciation of others, and of the world around them.
There will always be times when we will be disappointed in our children, or they will be disappointed in themselves. An extra hug can let our kids know that we are always on their side, no matter what.
We need to remember that it's not our aspirations for our children that will determine their lives, but their own goals and dreams for themselves.
Heartfelt praise is a reward in itself. To feel appreciated is to feel very special. Every child needs to feel this way.
Some children need more praise than others, and there are times when all children will need more attention and nurturing. Our physical closeness and the sharing of feelings can offer the comfort and reassurance children need to get through difficult times.
While walking around your neighborhood, help your child learn to appreciate the beauty of nature by pointing out the various colors, shapes, and smells that enrich our experience of the world.
When we appreciate and praise our children, we show them how to appreciate and celebrate the world around them.
As our children become emotionally mature, we want them to learn how to look within themselves for some of the support and encouragement they need as they grow toward independence.
Praise creates a warm glow on your child's face – and in her heart, as well.
We can feel free to give our praise generously. Praise is invaluable when it comes to bolstering a child's emerging sense of self.
If a child seems to be especially hungry for praise, she may be needing reassurance that she is loved.
In order to offer our children meaningful praise, we must first notice and be aware of when they are doing their best. We can also praise them when they choose to refrain from unacceptable behaviors, especially when we know it's hard for them to do so.
The more specific we can be in our praise, the more our children will learn what behaviors or qualities we value in them. This is more helpful than just telling them how wonderful they are.
Appreciation is the core of love. Don't underestimate its importance!
Praise is a form of celebration. Celebrate your child, your family!
Think of praise as another way of expressing your love. Make sure that the praise you offer is meaningful. "I like the colors you chose" means more than "What a beautiful picture!"
We can always find something to appreciate about our children, even at the end of a really tough day. And those are the days when doing so is most important.
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