As parents we always are looking at new ways of motivating our children so that they can do better. We praise them for the good work that they have done or for their kind gestures which has impressed you. Are the praises showered helping the child in their development? Are we giving them in the correct form? Are we praising for the right things?

Research on praise and child development has revealed some important insights:

Praise Effort, Not Intelligence

Telling a child they are "smart" may actually undermine their motivation. When children are praised for their intelligence, they become more concerned with maintaining that image than with learning. Instead, praise the effort, process, and strategies they used.

Be Specific

Generic praise like "Good job!" is less effective than specific praise that tells the child exactly what they did well. For example, "I noticed how patiently you worked on that puzzle — you kept trying even when it was difficult!"

Avoid Over-Praising

Excessive or unearned praise can actually reduce a child's intrinsic motivation and make them dependent on external validation. Reserve praise for genuine achievements and efforts.

Praise the Right Things

Focus praise on things within the child's control: effort, persistence, kindness, creativity. Avoid praising things outside their control like intelligence or natural ability.

Be Sincere

Children can detect insincere praise. Be genuine and specific rather than offering hollow validation that does not relate to what the child actually did.