Hello My Fearless Fixers!
Welcome to another GLO-getting Fix It Friday!
We’ve all done it. We say, “Good job!” almost automatically when our kids do something we approve of. It’s quick, easy, and we think it boosts their self-esteem. But does it really? The journey of radicalizing kindness has led me to reconsider how we talk to our children, especially when we’re praising them.
The Problem with “Good Job”
While “Good Job” isn’t inherently bad, its overuse can make it lose its impact. Moreover, this type of generic praise doesn’t offer specific feedback, leaving kids unsure about what exactly they did well.
The Power of Specific Praise
To make praise more meaningful, get specific. For instance, instead of saying, “You’re a good drawer,” you could say, “I love how you used so many different colors in your drawing, it really brings it to life.” Specific praise not only highlights the child’s strengths but also fosters self-awareness and a growth mindset.
Redirecting the Focus
Another approach is to turn the focus back on the child’s feelings rather than your approval. Ask them how completing a task or achieving something made them feel. This encourages introspection and lets them realize that the joy of accomplishment comes from within.
Examples of Meaningful Praise
- Instead of: “Good job cleaning your room.”
Try: “You must feel good having such a clean space!” - Instead of: “You’re so smart!”
Try: “You worked really hard to solve that problem, didn’t you?” - Instead of: “You’re a good sibling.”
Try: “You were really kind to share your toy with your sister.”
The Goal: Raising Kinder, More Mindful Kids
In our household, we’ve traded in robotic praise for authentic affirmations. And guess what? The children are more engaged, more reflective, and are learning the true value of kindness and effort.
Tags: #KindnessNCake #Parenting, #MeaningfulPraise, #ChildDevelopment, #Mindfulness, #RadicalKindness, #GLOGetters, #FixItFriday
As always, my friends, enjoy the GLO!
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