My virtual diary...

Me and my experience.. + Daddy + siLittleHana and siLittleHafizh too...

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I believe the very definition of ‘encourage’ epitomises the roles of parenting and teaching – inspire, courage, confidence, support, foster, stimulate, spur on. Contrast this with the words defining praise – approval, admiration, exalt, extol.

Whilst there is obviously a place for each when spending time with children, the difference is that encouragement acknowledges effort, the process and celebrates success whilst praise makes a judgment and is about giving a child your approval of their actions.

Compare, “That is a beautiful painting,” with, “What bright colours you’ve chosen. What do you like most about your painting?”

It is more useful to say to the child, “Thanks for letting Joe play – it really cheered him up,” than, “You’re a nice girl.”

It is important that we try to encourage and acknowledge much more regularly than we praise;