PARENTS: The best way to tell your child they have DONE THE RIGHT THING

There are 3 parts to praise-

1. Say how terrific they are or say how much you like what they have done (this is appreciation).
For example:
  • "Thanks ..........."
  • "That's great ........."
  • "Fantastic ......."
  • "Whats a great job ......"
  • "I'm impressed! ........"
  • "Wow ...."
2. Say exactly what it was that your child has done well. This teaches them about the "good" behaviours.
For example:

  • "......... you've picked up all your toys ........"
  • "......... you've washed your hands yourself ........"
  • "......... You've done that puzzle yourself ........."
  • "......... You have put all the pieces together ......."
3. Say why the behaviour was the right thing to do. This teaches them about why they should do that behaviour again.
For example:

  • "........ now the room's nice and tidy."
  • "........ now you have clean hands."
  • "........ now the puzzle is finished."
  • "........ now you can do the next bit."

So putting these together, you will be saying:

  • "That's great, you've picked up all your toys, now the room's nice and tidy."
  • "Fantastic, you've washed your hands yourself, now you have clean hands."
  • "What a great job, you've done that puzzle yourself, now the puzzle is finished."
  • "I'm impressed, you have put all the pieces together, now you can do the next bit."