praise Archives | Sleeping Should Be Easy

Why You Shouldn’t Say “Good Job!” to Kids (and What to Say Instead)

Feb 19, 2021

You probably hear and say "Good job!" all the time. Discover why doing so may not be a good idea and what you can say instead. I'm one of those parents who would say "Good job!" over every little thing. Some are worthy accomplishments like playing well with one another, and others not-so-worthy like when I just don't know what else to say. It's understandable why we say "Good job" all the time. We're proud of our kids and amazed with what they do. We want to promote positive behavior and hope to boost their self-esteem and confidence. But could saying "Good job!" and other similar … [Read more...]

The Secret to Raising Hard Working Kids

How Kids Learn

Aug 21, 2020

Want to know how to raise hard working kids? The ones who don't give up easily, take pride in their work, and enjoy the learning process. Learn how to instill dedication in your child! We hear about kids who dutifully check off their chores. They don't give up at the first sign of struggle and practice over and over until they feel competent. They even like learning. We can raise hard working kids by a simple change in how we speak to our children. Because if you're like me, you may be making a crucial mistake you don't even realize you're doing. (I sure didn't until I learned this … [Read more...]

5 Things You Shouldn’t Say When Your Child Loses

Communication

Aug 12, 2020

Everyone faces failure, and what we say to our kids is important. Learn what to avoid when your child loses a competition (and what to say instead). Imagine this: Your child is excited to enter a gymnastics competition this weekend. She has her props prepared and her outfit hanging on the door, and her confidence is through the roof. She knows she'll win first place. She's been practicing for weeks (although, admittedly, not as much as she could). The big day arrives, and she performs. But despite her weeks of practice, she didn't win first place. In fact, she failed to win any … [Read more...]

Why You Shouldn’t Reward Your Kids All the Time

Behavior

May 22, 2020

Most parents use a reward system for kids, from potty training to chores. Here's why you shouldn't reward kids (and what to do instead). Stars. Candy. A new toy. I swore I wouldn't resort to rewards when my toddler was potty training. But I still found myself making my own version: I drew stars on his "pee pee poster." The poster, taped to the bathroom mirror, was meant to encourage continued potty-training success. For a while it worked... that is, until the glamor and novelty of the stars eventually wore off. Because even though I wasn't handing him stickers or candy, I learned … [Read more...]

How to Use Praise to Encourage Your Child’s Potential

Communication

Sep 21, 2014

Many parents praise their kids with good intentions. But can praise be harmful? Here's how to praise kids to encourage their potential. I was impressed. My four-year-old had just finished building an intricate structure of wooden blocks. This was the stuff I didn't even know he could do. Each block was meticulously placed. The structure was symmetrical, and it looked like something a budding architect would make. I was so proud. Like any parent, I wanted to keep his spirits high, his ambition from fizzling. And in other times, I might have blurted out, "I love it! You're so creative. … [Read more...]

Is It Okay to Tell My Son He’s Handsome?

Communication

Apr 09, 2012

Do you tell your son he's handsome? Here's why I don't tell my son he's handsome and stay away from complimenting his looks. I think my two-year-old looks stunning. I can look at his face and fall in love each time. Being his mom gives me automatic permission to be over-the-top biased. I can brag about him to everyone, except... I don't. I not only refrain from telling others how handsome he is, I don't tell him, either. I'll call him cutie-pie but usually say it when he does something cute (like when he makes jokes). Not when he looks cute. Even for the times when he takes my breath … [Read more...]

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