How to Give Children Praise

Giving children praise is a way for parents and caregivers to show their respect and appreciation to a child who does something good. Praising children increases a child's self-esteem and gives them a great sense of self-pride. Here are ways to praise.

Instructions

1. Give your children praise when they accomplish a specific task. Be specific with the praise so the child knows what skills they have mastered. Instead of broad statements such as "You are such a good basketball player," use a specific statement like "You made a great free-throw basket, you are a terrific at the free-throw line."

2. Be sincere when giving praise to your child. If you praise too often without truly meaning it, children won't believe you when you do mean it. Children can tell when parents are being insincere.

3. Praise children for doing things they have never done before. Milestones such as tying their shoes for the first time or riding their bike without training wheels are important to children and warrant praise. Praise for new accomplishments motivates children to try other new things.

4. Bestow praise for the process that went into the end result. Children who are praised for their efforts learn a valuable lesson in life: hard work pays off.