It's important to choose your words carefully when it comes to parenting and motivating your children. You don't want to thoughtlessly criticize, when you could be encouraging instead. Criticism leads to rebellion and a loss of self worth, while encouragement builds confidence and gives children the courage to make positive changes in life.
Gift of Courage
If it helps, think about the prefix to the word encourage. It means to give the gift of courage. This is the courage to keep trying, to keep working hard, and to focus on the next time rather than giving up. Encouragement helps your children realize that they can make mistakes, and still be loved and valued by their parents no matter what.
Attitude of Gratitude
Encouragement helps children to be grateful for what they have, what they can do, and the love their parents show for them. Tonight at dinner, why not ask your family what they're grateful for? It will remind everybody of the things in life worth appreciating and valuing. Remembering what we're thankful for helps build a positive attitude. Encourage your children to remember what they're grateful for.
More Right than Wrong
Think about yourself as a child. Would you rather be scolded for what you did wrong, or praised for everything you did right? Which of the two would you be most likely to respond to? You'd probably respond better to praise, because it encourages you to keep going and trying, rather than halts you in your steps.
Did you know that for every thing a child does wrong, he does 19 things right? It's true! Think about how often you notice your child's mistakes, and fail to point out his accomplishments. Take the time to show your child that you appreciate the things he does right. Comment on what they do correctly, and try to overlook the rest. See what happens!
Look For The Positive
Always remember to encourage your children, and give them the gift of confidence and courage that goes with this feeling of self worth.
To learn more about verbal and nonverbal communication that produces positive action, go to http://www.UseEncouragingWords.com This is a free eBook by Judy H. Wright aka Auntie Artichoke, family relationship coach and author to help you expand your child's horizons today.
We also invite you to sign up for a free weekly teleclass on family relations. To register, please go to http://www.ArtichokePress.com You will be glad you did.
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» left by Roschelle Nelson(514) Roschelle Nelson (139 days 5 hours ago.)
Great article Judy. I've always believed positive reinforcement was a far better method of achieving the desired outcome
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