How to Use Encouraging Words and Phrases to Motivate Your Child
What You Will Learn:
The Difference Between Praise, Encourage, and Reward
Why Praising Children Is Important
How to Praise a Child 
Descriptive Praise Examples
Combining Praise with Constructive Feedback
What Does Over-Praising Do to a Child: Negative Effects of Praise
When I was parenting my kids, I encouraged them as much as possible by praising them. I told them “what a good job they were doing,” that “they were the best,” or “they were right.” 
It wasn’t until I started my journey into being a better parent that I realized there is a better way to praise than the words I used. 
Praising your children is essential, but it’s not as simple as it sounds. When done right, praise can boost a child’s self-esteem, motivate them, and reinforce positive behaviours. However, when misused, it can lead to unintended adverse effects. 
Let’s dive into why praising your children is essential, how to do it effectively, and what pitfalls to avoid.
The Difference Between Praising, Encouraging,  and Rewarding
Balancing praise with encouragement and rewards can be highly effective:
Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on the process and effort rather than the outcome. For example, you can say, “You’re so smart,” but a better way is, “You worked hard on that project, and it shows!” Praising the effort, not just the results, teaches children to value hard work and effort over innate ability.
Use Encouragement: Encouragement helps children stay motivated, especially when struggling. Statements like, “I know this is tough, but I believe in you,” or “Keep going, you’re doing great,” can be very powerful. Encouragement focuses on the ongoing process and helps children build resilience. When I was the owner of a hectic food trail and dealing with staff that were becoming overwhelmed because of the volume of orders to get out,  I would often say words like, “One more order” or “We are getting there” to help them focus on what was right in front of them and not the bigger picture. 
Offer Rewards Sparingly: Rewards can motivate children, but you should use them carefully. Instead of always offering material rewards, consider non-material rewards like extra playtime, a special outing, or a simple heartfelt “thank you.” For example, “Because you’ve been so helpful today, let’s have an extra story at bedtime” can be more meaningful than a toy. As parents, we want to please our kids and often fall into the trap of giving them almost everything they want. At the end of the day, what they want the most is our attention. Put your technology aside and give them your undivided attention. 
Why Praising Children Is Important
Praising children is more than saying “good job” or “well done” when they do something right. It plays a crucial role in their development and helps shape how they view themselves and their abilities. When you praise your child, you’re not only acknowledging their efforts and achievements but also reinforcing their sense of self-worth and confidence by:
Building Their Self-Esteem: Positive feedback makes children feel valued and competent. Children who hear positive affirmations about their actions or abilities believe in themselves. This self-belief...

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