With school back in full swing our house has transitioned almost instantly from long, fun summer days to tighter schedules, shiny new goals, and more abbreviated, almost code-like conversation. When life shifts into a busy season it’s easy to become more about the task and less about the consistent, verbal connection with your kids. Don’t let it happen.
While there’s not an affirmation app for that—you do have everything you need in the six inches between your head and your heart to fill up your child’s tank. Affirming words, when properly applied, have the power to motivate a child and shape his or her attitude about themselves and where they stand in the world.
But take note: Studies show that praise is not created equal and can backfire if it’s hollow or undeserved. I think we’ve all met “that” kid who takes an emotional nosedive when he figures out his parents exaggerated his praise and that he is not the center of the universe.
A 2013 study from the University of Chicago and Stanford University found that the kind of praise you give your child matters. For instance, “Person” praise (“you are awesome” “you are so smart”) is performance focused while “Process” …read more
Read the full article here: http://blogs.mcafee.com/consumer/40-phrases-child-needs-hear
