For Tuesday Truthday, I felt descriptive praise is a very important topic to discuss especially with Covid times as our kids need it to boost their confidence and self esteem.

I'd like to share with u some readings from the book; how to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk.

".... my child comes home with a painting and says: is it good? My reaction would be: what a beautiful painting, child responds: is it good? I told you it's beautiful... fantastic. Child states and says: u don't like it!! Dr. Ginott explained to me that words that evaluate like good, beautiful, fantastic make children uncomfortable. The helpful praise comes in 2 parts:

1. The adult describes with appreciation what he/she sees or feels.

2. The child, after hearing the description, is then able to praise himself

After putting this theory into practice here's what happened:

Child comes home with a penciled Scribble and asked, is it good?

My first reaction was "very good" then I remembered to be descriptive, but how do I describe a Scribble... well I said I see u went circle circle circle... wiggle wiggle.. dot dot dot dot and slash slash. YEAH! He nodded enthusiastically. I said how do U ever think to do this and his response was "because I'm an artist"

It's a remarkable process, the adult describes and the child really does praise himself. I started doing this with my boys and wow the difference in reaction :) I love this and feel it's definitely worth sharing.

Happy Tuesday everyone :)