Criticism is punitive
Our children judge themselves on the opinions we have of them. When we use harsh words, demeaning adjectives or a sarcastic tone of voice, we literally strip a child's core of self-confidence and make them less likely to try to please us.
Studies have shown that verbal abuse is more likely than physical abuse to damage children's self esteem.
Not only does it damage their soul, it is counter productive to cooperation and lasting change.
Encouragement is uplifting
Encouragement is the process of focusing on your children's assets and strengths in order to build their self-confidence and feelings of worth.
Parents need to convey though words and gestures that we appreciate their efforts and improvement, not just their accomplishments. We need to make sure they understand that our love and acceptance is not dependent on their behavior or winning the prize in soccer.
Positive correction that changes behavior
A very effective way of communicating is create a verbal Encouragement Sandwich:
1 Start off with a slice of the bread of life. For example, "I really admire the way you are learning to take better care of your things."
2. Next, add a little mayo spread lightly, "I felt happy when I saw you hang up your new jacket last night."
3. Then, the slice of sharp cheese, "However, I noticed you left your bike outside in the rain again."
4. On top of the cheese, a little spicy mustard to catch their attention, "Please put it away every night or we will have to lock it up for a week each time it is left out.".
5. Finally, another slice of bread, "All in all, you are a responsible kid and I have confidence you will choose to take better care of your bike."
Do they get the message of the mistake of leaving the bike out? Yes, but it is not by attacking them personally and this method of correction gives them an incentive to do better.
Nurturing better behavior
Some parents and care givers, particularly those who did not receive much love or encouragement in their childhoods, often fail to see the importance of nurturing the inner core of a child. The sad part of this is that encouragement and kind feedback will bring about positive change, whereas criticism brings about rebellion, anger and loss of self worth.
Encouragement Works
Zig Ziglar, an internationally known motivational speaker, has said "When we have positive input, we have positive output, and when we have negative input, we have negative output."
As a parent educator, mother and grandmother, may I suggest that you need to be very careful of the words you choose to motivate your children?
It helps if you break up the word to read "en" courage, which means giving a gift of courage: the courage to keep trying, to keep up the good work, to focus on next time and not give up. This courage helps the child realize that they can make mistakes and they will still be loved and valued. Where as "dis" courage or criticism takes away the courage to try new things or work harder for fear of getting in trouble and displeasing the adults.
What choices could you make next time?
Help the child and yourself recognize that mistakes are never final and frequently we get a "do-over" or a second chance. The past is done; we can learn from it and then focus on the future
For a listing of encouraging words and phrases, please check out the website www.ArtichokePress.com.
Thank you for doing a great job
Those of you working with children on a daily basis do the most important work in the world. I applaud your efforts and "en" courage you to choose your words carefully when you want the children you care for to improve their behavior. Words have the power to build up or destroy. As caring adults the goal is to strengthen the character of the child as well as get the jackets, bikes, toys, etc. picked up on a consistent basis.
? 2005 Judy H. Wright, Parent Educator
This article was written by Judy Wright, parent educator and author. Feel free to use it in your newsletter or publication, but please give full credit to the author and mention the contact information of JudyWright@ArtichokePress.com, 406-549-9813.
You will find a full listing of books, tapes, newsletters and workshops available on finding the heart of the story in the journey of life by going to www.artichokepress.com
The distressed adolescent often has feelings of abandonment, emotional detachment,... Read More
Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More
I will cherish this moment. I will not let it... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
It's no joy to be sick. It's even less joy... Read More
Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Do you really want your child to enjoy playing with... Read More
There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More
Perhaps I could make a lot of money by founding... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
It can be difficult on all family members to have... Read More
My oldest boy is fifteen and was a real jerk... Read More
Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
Jason Roberts listened to his son's explanation of the missing... Read More
Did you know that inconsistency on matters of discipline gives... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
The following spelling games can be used by parents to... Read More
One reason public schools get away with educational failure, year... Read More
The brightly colored plastic mobile dangles lazily overhead in the... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
If you were to ask 100 parents why they think... Read More
Most teens go into the work world ill-prepared to manage... Read More
Young people generally want to fit in to their various... Read More
Bi-Polar Disorder, or Manic Depression, is characterized by mood swings,... Read More
Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing... Read More
Ever feel like you're out of the loop when it... Read More
The Greatest Gifts in Life, which are always created for... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
If your child has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder then at... Read More
"Where did he come up with that?" Kids often amaze... Read More
In school, kids are encouraged to create, draw, color, paint... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
Life is comprised of pieces of time sprinkled with pivotal... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
Q. I need your help with a question about my... Read More
One of the few decisions you'll make during pregnancy that... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
A number of scientific studies have shown the way a... Read More
Here is a list of ways to convey the message... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
Our children are our most important legacy to the world.... Read More
If you are a parent, then more than likely you... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
As a parent, you can learn a lot about your... Read More
Checking accounts are an absolute necessity these days. You can... Read More
Parenting |