Encouragement Is More Important Than Praise

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Encouragement Is More Effective Than Praise in Guiding Children's Behavior Many child care providers try to help children feel confident by praising them. But encouragement is actually more effective than praise in building children's confidence. But overusing praise can actually lower children’s self-esteem and make them more competitive and less cooperative. The Difference Between Praise and Encouragement Praise and encouragement are very different. Praise focuses on what the adult thinks or feels, and often includes a judgment such as "good." Praise statements starting with "I like..." send a subtle message that the adult’s opinion is what is important. Statements like "You're such a nice girl" or "I love your block tower!" or "I'm so proud of you for cleaning up" are examples of praise that may sound effective. But children who are praised tend to do things to please adults, not because they are motivated themselves. Encouragement is non-judgmental. Encouraging statements point out specific facts but do not evaluate them. Phrases such as "You really worked hard" or "Look at all the green you used in your painting" or "I bet you are proud that you finished that whole puzzle" are examples of non-judgmental encouragement. Children who are encouraged tend to develop a stronger self-motivation and pride in their work because the encouragement focuses on what they are doing well, not what the teacher thinks about their work. Child care providers sometimes overuse praise. Imagine a situation when Tommy and Julie have been working hard, painting butterflies at the art table. As the child care provider passes by, she says, "Tommy! What a beautiful butterfly! I love it!" Tommy beams, but Julie is shocked. She thinks her butterfly is prettier than Tommy's, but clearly the teacher knows best. Julie leaves the art table, concluding that she's just not as good as

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