When children do something wrong, it’s easy to criticize or correct them. But it may not have the effect you’re hoping for. Kids want attention, and if they know they can get it by doing things wrongs, they will. The same is true of positive attention.

“Encouragement is a skill parents use to motivate a child to keep trying, even when the going gets rough. Encouragement is noticing how hard a child is working at something, even though the results are not perfect. Be honest when giving encouragement. Praise the effort, not just the result.” [Source: Akron Examiner]

Focusing only on mistakes or bad behaviors can be discouraging to kids. They need to know that we notice the good stuff, too.

Labels: parenting advice

Posted By: Stefanie Hamilton