| If you want to be accurate as well as being
complimentary, practice these steps: 1. Explain that your child has
done well and can do even better next time.
2. Don't answer a statement of dissatisfaction with praise. Instead,
acknowledge the feelings shown and help your child plan for a better performance next
time.
Remember that the best praise for your children is praising their own
judgement.
Of course, that can't always happen. Sometimes their judgment, or society's
judgment as mirrored in their eyes, is not the best action or accomplishment to
praise.
Example: your six-year-old daughter spends much too much time in front of a
mirror. She's cute. You know it and she knows it. However, the mirror needs a rest and
your daughter certainly needs to know there is more to life than appearance. Yet your
daughter and all children need to know their looks are acceptable.
So what do you say when you find your daughter staring away at her reflection?
Try saying, "You look nice today, Letha, but I am really proud of your
gymnastics (drawing, etc.) this morning. How did you do that so well?"
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