Parents sometimes ask what they can do to improve their children’s behavior.  The importance of using praise and social rewards, such as smiles and hugs, with children is frequently overlooked.  Adults are often quick to criticize, correct, or punish children when they misbehave, while forgetting to praise children when they play well with others or do their chores without complaining.  Praise and encouragement from adults can be used to guide children through the steps it takes to learn new skills, to help develop a good self-image, and the motivation children need to stay with a difficult task.  A simple statement such as, “I like the way you got all your things ready for school ahead of time!” or a well timed hug will encourage positive behavior in children.

Remember to:

• Catch your child being good-don’t save praise for perfect behavior.
• Don’t worry about spoiling your children with praise-children who are frequently praised by their parents develop increased self-esteem.
• Increase praise for difficult children.
• Model self-praise.
• Give labeled and specific praise
• Praise with smiles, eye contact, and enthusiasm.
• Praise immediately.
• Give pats, hugs and kisses along with praise.
• Use praise consistently.
• Praise in front of other people
• Praise and encourage the “process” of children’s learning, not just the finished product
• Label your child’s feelings about personal accomplishments

Parental praise makes a tremendous impact on children’s behavior.  It takes very little time and no money.  Try increasing positive praise and attention and discover the benefits.

I work hard in the classroom to follow these principles of praise as I do recognize the Importance of Praise.  Reference:  The Incredible Years by Carolyn Webster-Stratton