Author Archives: Eileen Anderson-Fye
- Try, Try Again
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Within limits of safety and extreme frustration, let children attempt a goal and fail. When they achieve it, it will be more meaningful. Allowing a child to try something until they “get” it or master it builds confidence and the …
- Sandwich Constructive Comments
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Parents and adults often jump in to help children when they see they are struggling with a task. For instance, a parent watching their child play soccer may feel the urge to identify the problem in an effort to tell …
- Praising Artwork, Musical Abilities, and Athletic Skills
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There is often controversy over self-esteem and how to handle praising children’s artwork, musical talents, and athletic ability. Some feel that customary praise may contribute to children developing lower self-esteem, in that it may lead to seeking external (parents, teachers, …
- Emphasize Desired Behaviors
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When correcting a child’s behavior, focus what you want them to do and on helping them make better choices instead of being critical of their behavior . Emphasizing desirable behavior and providing a positive alternative for the child to focus …
- Emotions and Self-Esteem
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When your child is distraught adults tend to want to make the hurt child feel better as soon as possible. In these scenarios, parents often tell children things like: “You’re okay” “Don’t cry, it will be alright.” While it is …
- Acknowledge Good Behavior
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It is almost an impulse to praise children with phrases like “good girl/boy” when they have done something we want them to do. However, specific feedback about their behavior will often help to shape behavior better than vague comments. This …
- Language and Self-Esteem in Parenting Young Children
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Self esteem is often a hot topic among parents and educators. Research on self esteem has examined the way children are praised and suggests that not all praise is equal. The way we praise children and the language we use …