How to Praise Your Kids

Rephrase Your Praise

Toddlers

Instead of saying: "You were a good boy."

Say: "You shared nicely with your friend."

Preschoolers

Instead of saying: "You cleaned up your toys."

Say: "I noticed that you put away your blocks without being asked."

Big Kids

Instead of saying: "I love your handwriting!"

Say: "It must feel good to be able to write your thank-you notes so neatly."

Any Child

Instead of saying: "I'm proud of you."

Say: "You must feel proud of yourself."

Copyright © 2007. Reprinted with permission from the August 2007 issue of Parents magazine.