Feb 03 2010
Reinforcement for Children
Did you ever wonder how a child feels when his/her accomplishments are not recognized, acknowledged, or cheered on? I thought I understood kids, but, nothing short of a shared experience has the impact of truly helping us to understand how someone else, especially a young child feels. Please allow me to digress for a moment. On Friday night, I was the guest on a friend’s radio talk show. The show went well; I felt as if I spoke succinctly, communicated my messages without appearing boring or too cocky and then, boom, the show was over. Dara, the show’s host and I congratulated each other on a job well done and then, well, that was that. It was then, that the child in me poked its head. Like the youngster who craves attention, I wanted someone to praise me for a job well done. Of course, being an adult, I was able to pat myself on the back and move on with the evening. But, in those few moments of isolation, I felt how devastating it must be for kids who never seem to get the recognition/reinforcement for their efforts and or accomplishments. My friends, the power in the words, “good job”, “super try” and/or in a heartfelt hug should not be minimized. I do believe that children’s self image is contingent on how others view them and so, our kindness and attention is not only lovely, but is critical in building healthy egos and boosting self confidence. Of course, false praise can be as detrimental to building healthy children as no praise at all. So parents, teachers, and grandparents, be cognizant that your attention, words of praise on specific accomplishments/attempts and/or extra hugs and high fives for a job well done are imperative in communicating pride and joy as well as in building healthy and self confident children.
Share a smile and give your children a special hug!!!
Magical Educating!
Donna Mavrides
Magical Moments
www.magicalms.com
