Learn How Science-Backed Praise Leads to Better Outcomes
Not so long ago, the general norm was that you should praise your children while they are asleep, not to spoil them, with praise not being on the menu for most children. Recently, we are finding ourselves at an opposite pole where participation trophies are the norm and every little effort is being appreciated. We are happy to see this change and believe that children will do so much better when praised and appreciated.
Staying connected to the latest research and always looking to improve our practice, we came in contact with an interesting podcast from Andrew Huberman that highlights some science-based points on how to praise children for the best outcomes. This is in line with our practice at Footsteps Nurseries and we thought that it would be a good opportunity to share it here on our website as well.
How to Praise Your Child the Right Way
Research suggests praising children based on their effort, not their intelligence or talent. Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman and psychologist Carol Dweck emphasise the importance of effort-based praise in fostering a growth mindset. Instead of telling your child they are smart or talented, focus on their hard work and perseverance.
For instance, say, “I’m proud of how hard you worked on that project” instead of “You’re so smart.” This type of praise encourages children to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes, knowing their effort is valued. It helps them understand that their abilities can grow with dedication and persistence, leading to greater confidence and resilience.
1. Be Specific with Praise
When praising your child, be specific about what they did well. Instead of generic praise like “Good job,” say, “You did a great job cleaning your room and putting everything in its place.” Specific praise helps children understand what behaviours are valued and encourages them to repeat those actions.
2. Focus on Effort, Not Outcomes
Emphasise the effort your child puts into a task rather than the outcome. For example, praise the time and effort they spent studying for a test rather than just the grade they received. This teaches children that hard work and dedication are important and that they can control their success through their efforts.
3. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Praising effort helps foster a growth mindset, the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work and perseverance. Children with a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, persist through difficulties, and view failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.
4. Avoid Over-Praising
While it is important to praise your child, be mindful not to overdo it. Constant praise for every small action can lead to children becoming dependent on external validation. Instead, balance praise with constructive feedback and encourage self-assessment, helping children develop their own internal sense of achievement.
5. Use Verbs, Not Nouns
Huberman explains that using verbs to describe effort is more effective than using nouns. For example, say, “You worked really hard on that drawing,” instead of “You are a great artist.” This subtle shift helps children see their abilities as fluid and improvable, rather than fixed traits.
6. Praise the Process
Emphasise the steps your child took to achieve a goal rather than the end result. For instance, if your child built a model, praise the planning, patience, and problem-solving skills they demonstrated throughout the process. This reinforces the value of the journey and the skills developed along the way.
7. Encourage Seeking Feedback
Teach your child to seek feedback from others as part of their learning process. Encourage them to ask for input on what they did well and areas they can improve. This practice helps children learn to value constructive criticism and use it to enhance their performance.
Conclusion
Praising your children the right way can significantly impact their development and confidence. By focusing on effort, being specific with praise, and encouraging a growth mindset, you help your child understand that their abilities can grow with dedication and persistence. Balancing praise with constructive feedback and promoting self-assessment will enable your child to develop a healthy, resilient sense of self-esteem.
At Footsteps Nurseries, we are committed to incorporating the latest research and best practices in our approach to childcare and education. We hope these insights help you support your child’s growth and development. Do you have tips and tricks for praising children effectively? Share your thoughts and stories with us at blog@footsteps-nurseries.co.uk.
