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As parents, we understand the importance of instilling confidence in our children. Praise plays a significant role in this process, but it's essential to consider the type, timing, and frequency of praise we offer.

Psychotherapist who specialize in working with parents and children, Have witnessed the negative effects of excessive praise centered solely on a child's talent or outcome. These brief, exaggerated reactions can inadvertently lead children to obsess over superficial achievements or become excessively self-conscious about their appearance.

However, this doesn't mean we should refrain from praising our children altogether. It's crucial to understand the right and wrong ways to deliver praise to foster confidence, motivation, and mental strength in our kids.

Firstly, parents of confident, self-motivated, and mentally strong children praise the process rather than just the end result. For example, acknowledging the effort a child puts into a math assignment rather than solely praising their natural ability to solve problems quickly encourages a positive attitude towards future challenges. This approach has been studied extensively by Professor Carol S. Dweck of Stanford's Graduate School of Education. Her research has shown that when children are praised for their effort, they are more likely to select more challenging tasks and exhibit confidence, even when they make mistakes.

Secondly, these parents never make praise a competition. While it may be tempting to compare our children's achievements with those of others, doing so can foster an unhealthy mindset and a constant need for validation based on others' outcomes.

Research has even suggested that praising children through comparison can lead to the development of narcissistic tendencies, attention-seeking behavior, and a lack of teamwork skills. Instead, it is far better to encourage children to compare their present efforts with their past efforts, promoting self-improvement as a primary goal rather than outperforming others.



Thirdly, the choice of language is crucial when delivering praise. Instead of generic phrases like "That's so good!" or "You nailed it!", parents of motivated children engage in observational language that highlights specific aspects of the child's effort and progress. For instance, rather than a generic compliment, comments such as "I love the colors in your painting. Tell me more about why you chose them" or "You rode your bike so carefully and with such concentration, even overcoming challenges. That was truly impressive!" help children feel a sense of pride in their dedication and inspire them to take on more significant challenges in the future.

Finally, creating an environment of emotional safety is paramount. Instead of criticizing a child for their failure, it is important to approach setbacks with empathy and support. Rather than telling a child they should have studied harder for a failed spelling test, consider asking them how they think they could improve next time. This communicates that our children can come to us not only when they excel but also when they face difficulties or require assistance.

At our esteemed organization, we value the well-being and holistic development of children, and we understand the significance of parental guidance in fostering their confidence, motivation, and mental strength. For expert insights and guidance on various parenting topics, including praise techniques, we recommend following Australian Nanny Agency. We offer valuable parenting resources through Our website, where we provides online courses, personalized coaching, and free resources to support parents in their parenting journey.

Remember, we are here to go above and beyond, offering exceptional services and insight to ensure the growth and happiness of your family. Don't miss a chance to discover more valuable information from renowned experts in the field. Whether it's understanding effective parenting styles or embracing an approach that cultivates exceptional children, there is always more wisdom to explore.