Praising a child correctly is important to the development of positive behaviors. Most experts agree that if you aren’t praising your child for something every day, you and your child are missing out on an important “good-behavior-booster.” Follow these six steps to make sure your praise is effective:
1. Watch for praiseworthy behaviors. Don’t try to praise everything your child does. Wait for unexpected or previously unnoticed good behavior and praise your child for it.
2. Praise immediately. As soon as you notice a positive behavior, make sure you mention it to your child.
3. Look your child in the eye. She is more likely to recognize and accept your words of praise if your eyes are focused on her.
4. Touch your child. Your praise is more powerful when given in conjunction with a hug, a touch on the arm or a caress of the cheek.
5. Be specific. State exactly what you find worthy of praise. For example, “You were very patient while we were in the store. I am proud of you.”
6. Don’t follow praise with negative comments. Make sure you allow praise to sink in before you discipline for misbehavior.
