Use Encouragement Not Criticism to Help Children Improve

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."

Our words are very powerful tools, especially with impressionable children. We need to pause and think before we give corrections and feedback on what our children are doing.

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.

Encouragement Works

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

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.

A Free Gift For You

Judy H. Wright also known as Auntie Artichoke, family relationship coach and author, would like to give you a Free eBook on communicating with positive results. You can find it at www.UseEncouragingWords. You are also invited to free teleclasses every Thursday on enhancing relationships. To check the schedule, please go to www.ArtichokePress.com

Article Source: http://www.wahm-articles.com

Audrey :)
http://mytupperware.com/audreyoka