The power of proper encouragement

What kinds of encouragement are effective?

• When encouraging your children, it’s best to be clear so that they know which actions or behaviours will result in praise. For example, you could say: “You helped mum tidy up the toys. You’re such a good boy/girl!”
• Emphasise the progress and ability of the child’s efforts, not the end result. For example, you could say: “Well done! You completed that project all by yourself, from start to finish!”
• Don’t compare your children with others; focus on how they themselves are progressing. Let them know that their progress is being noticed. For example, you could say: “Your writing is so much neater today than it was yesterday!”

More ways of positive encouragement：

To build their self-confidence
You should be proud of yourself!
I believe in you. I have faith in you.

To help them when they face difficulties
Keep going - you can do it.
That’s a tough one, but you’ll figure it out.

To encourage them to be brave in trying new things
You seem to really enjoy “activities” .
I know that was a new thing for you - excellent try!

Moreover, our guest, Manchester United Pre-Academy Manager Richard Donnelly, thinks that it is also important to let kids know that parents are always on their side. Let’s listen to his views.