Give Them Praise, Here Are 5 Ways To Appreciate Your Child's Tenacity And Persistence

Illustration of how to praise a child's tenacity and persistence (Pexels/Yan Krukov)

YOGYAKARTA – Giving praise to someone is understood as a way of appreciating. According to Angela Duckworth, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, unlike praise, criticism can lead to defensiveness and opposition. Compliments highlight what you value in the other person.

Meanwhile, praise given to children, reported by Psychology Today, Tuesday, April 19, is more effective in forming positive results than reprimand. Giving praise also needs to be done properly, here's how to appreciate a child's tenacity and persistence.

1. Focus on process, not results

The study, published in the American Psychological Association (APA), examined the effectiveness of praise given for their intelligence or hard work. Praising children for their intelligence is more dangerous because it makes them unable to handle failure. In contrast, children who get credit for their efforts appear more resilient and persistent.

Illustration of how to praise a child's tenacity and tenacity (Pexels/Kampus Production)

Shari Young Kuchenbecker, Ph.D., a psychologist and child development consultant in Los Angeles, says that children's love of process, positive attitude, and desire to grow is what makes them empowered children.

2. Give a warm look in the eyes and tone of voice

How to give a compliment is even more important than choosing the right words. Reported by Parents, psychologist Mona Delahooke, Ph.D. said that establishing warm interactions can increase a young child's self-confidence. That means giving them compliments with warm eyes and a warm tone of voice.

3. Choose words wisely

Giving praise also needs to be adjusted, especially in terms of language choice. Choose a language that is appropriate for the child's developmental stage. With your baby, you may be joking enough when he smiles at you. as they get older, you can choose the right words that reflect their experiences.

4. Praise personal strength

Each child has their own personal character. You can't compare one child to another. Even children themselves often compare themselves with their brothers or sisters. Experts advise parents to take an approach to helping their children learn that everyone has strengths, and that they are all different.

5. Praise perseverance from small things but don't overdo it

It's the little things that children do every day that need to be appreciated. But do not overdo it because it will lose credibility. If you give praise for small things, focus on highlighting the child's initiative to do activities at home independently. For example, one time he brushed his teeth without being asked or getting ready for bed without having to get a bedtime warning.

Giving praise is also recommended specifically. For example, complimenting the way he paints every corner of the image will be better understood and feel more real. Praising gives children the message that they are accepted and valued. But experts agree that over-praising only puts them under pressure to show up and develop themselves to seek the approval of others all the time.