Figuring out how to let our children know we are proud of them can be a delicate balance. Too few expressions of praise leave kids feeling bad. Too many expressions of praise can leave them insufferably arrogant. Striking the balance to find appropriate praise and appropriate expressions of pride in the accomplishments of our children can be pretty tricky. These tips can help parents find the right approach to appropriate praise and appropriate expressions of pride in a child’s efforts and accomplishments. On the other hand, if the piano student bombed the recital because they didn’t prepare, didn’t practice and chose a less challenging piece, parents may not want to be effusive in their praise. If they make a comment like, “Doesn’t it feel good to know that all of that practicing, and effort to improve paid off?” McKenzie will feel validated not only for the win but also for all that went into it. She won’t just feel lucky to have won but to feel true personal satisfaction in the accomplishment. A short thank-you note to a teacher or a parent volunteer would be appropriate. Helping the child see that there are many who work toward their success will help them feel good about their own accomplishment while still seeing that it is almost always a team effort.
