Why Is Praising a Child Important for Growth and When Not to Do It

Many parents have this idea of bringing up children in a strict atmosphere without praising a child. They believe that even encouraging good behavior can prevent a kid from becoming arrogant and stuck-up. The result is entirely the opposite. Children grow to be insecure and uptight.

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Nonetheless, praising a child too much is no good either. As a result, a child can be totally repulsed by compliments and praise. On the other hand, a child might become so arrogant that it would accept no other opinion except for a positive one. The child’s ego would be ten times bigger than a child itself! Find a happy medium because a child’s future depends on it.

Finding a “happy medium” when praising a kid

Praising a child up to the age of 1.5 is necessary because it serves as a moral compass, showing what is right and what is wrong. Each time you tell a child that making a mess is bad, a little one gets it. While you could clean up the mess by yourself, it’s a good practice that the child helps. In some cases, this may be their own idea. This gives you an opportunity to praise them for their decision or just for doing a good job.

Praise actions. As time passes, children learn new things, get to know the world, become smarter. You cannot praise a seven-year-old for going to a bathroom by itself because a child learned it years ago. It means that you have to praise and support a child for the new skills they had obtained. However, do not do this very often, because hearing how good you are every time you do something can make your self-esteem scratch the sky. Let good deeds and behavior become something routine and normal and reward them by praising children’s efforts.

Extensive praise will leave its mark on a child because it has a bigger impact. After hearing, “Well done! The sun you’ve drawn is very beautiful!” a kid will be eager to do its best to hear these words from you again. Besides, do not forget to “seal the deal” with a hug and a warm smile. Remember that extensive praising leaves its imprint in a child’s memory and makes a little one put more effort into the task.

Comparing one child to another can never stimulate a child to work and strive for more, especially when a kid is “the bad guy” in this comparison. Extreme praising can lead a child to feel superior to everyone else. Pay attention to your actions as well, because seeing parents comparing people to one another shows that it is okay to contrast people and point out their drawbacks.

Praising a child for everything – a slippery slope to bringing up an egotist. If a child receives high praise for each thing they do and every move they make, a little one will consider praise as a confirmation of its perfection. Therefore, they will be waiting for it even more. Furthermore, if you praise a kid too much, the whole concept loses its sense.

Praise should meet the amount of effort. You can praise a child for its natural abilities, but what is the point? Do not praise a kid for something that a little one has never put effort into getting. Acclaim a child for the things that it has achieved. Also, don’t hesitate to encourage good behavior. Each time kids strive for things and put the effort in to get them, make sure to tell them that they are doing a great job!

Do you like our ways to praise your child? Check out our other articles to raise successful kids

Productivity hacks for stay-at-home parents: Stuck at home? How to Keep Children Productive While Staying at Home
Uplifting Things to say to your child: Positive Things to Say to Your Child Every Day
Teaching the difference between “mine” and “not mine” Parenting Your Toddler: Child Development Rights and Wrongs

Also, don’t forget to check out CuteRascals to shop for your little ones. Enjoy!!

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Liliana

Liliana is a Licensed Montessori teacher known for her passion and dedication to education. She's been a teacher in the United States for many years, and she truly believes that education is the key to making the world a better place because today's students are tomorrow's leaders. Her experience with Toddlers, Beginners, VPK with Montessori methodology approach; Kindergarten, and first grade made her an authority and trusted resource. Liliana's family taught her important qualities like love, a positive attitude, strong motivation, and leadership. These values have guided her on her journey to becoming a professional and expert teacher. Her mission is to help children grow and contribute to a brighter future for the country.