Praising Effectively
How to provide your child with behavior specific praise that will reinforce the behaviors you want to see.
Behavior Specific Praise is a positive statement intended to reinforce the desired behavior of an individual that acknowledges the individual by name (or in a manner in which he/she knows they are being praised), specifically describes/identifies the individual’s behavior, and incorporates a term of praise.
Identify the specific behavior to praise.
Decide if the behavior qualifies for praise.
If so, acknowledge the individual by name (or in a manner in which he/she knows who is being praised).
Incorporate a term of praise (e.g., “good job,” “that’s awesome,” “you’re super,” “way to go”)
Describe the behavior.