PRAISE

I did not realize it then, but the phrase, “We are very proud of you,†always with the emphasis on very, boosted me immeasurably through the years.

Jonah Martin Edelman

Our sentiments of pride and praise must come not only after success, but after defeat and disappointment, too. It is, after all, not just their A’s and home runs that make our children so precious to us.

Warm affirmations and expressions of love motivate our children to make their best effort. Let’s time them well so that our child knows our love is not contingent on performance.

Call to Action:  On this day, I will take five minutes to consider whether I express pride in my child only after she has succeeded in some specific task.