Ways to Compliment Children

Complimenting kids gives them confidence.

Children need cheerleaders -- people who are on their side and who want the best for them. Parents, teachers and other adults can support kids by complimenting them. Complimenting children encourages them and gives them confidence for the future. Additionally, compliments affect their behavior for the positive. There are many ways to compliment children that will leave them feeling uplifted and capable of conquering the world.

Catch Them Doing 'Good'

Keep an eye out for the good things kids do, and pay compliments when appropriate. For example, after a child picks up the toys they've finished playing with say, "Picking up your toys was a good choice. Thank you." You can also give compliments such as "I liked the outfit you picked today," "Thank you for taking responsibility to finish your homework even though it was difficult" and "You did a great job on that drawing."

Be Honest and Sincere

Only give compliments that you believe in -- be honest and sincere. If a child is learning to play the violin and isn't very good at it yet, say "Good start. I'm glad you're practicing hard so that you will become a great violinist one day." Children are sharp. They read facial expressions and body language as if they were trained experts. You shouldn't say they sound great when you don't mean it, and they know they don't.

Make Eye Contact

Look children in the eye when paying compliments. If the child is smaller than you are, get down on your knees. If the child has their back to you, touch their shoulder and ask them to turn and look at you. They'll have faith that you are being truthful, and will accept the praise as encouragement. Also, smile with your eyes -- and your mouth -- because kind words are best received that way.

Start Early

Begin giving children compliments when they're young. Take every opportunity given to praise kids for the good things they do -- big and small. Every child won't be a straight-A student or star athlete, but with proper encouragement of the things they do well will produce a confident and emotionally-secure individual.

References

• Clear Messages
• Effective Praise: Applaud the Effort, Not Just the Outcome