I’ve been trying different ways to get my kids to behave better, and I’m wondering about using encouragement. Does anyone have experience with this? How well does it actually work for shaping good behavior in children? I’m curious to hear what others think or if there are any tips for doing it effectively. Thanks!
Encouragement works well with my kids, especially for daily tasks. Praising specific actions gets better results than general praise.
It’s not magic though. Sometimes they’re just not in the mood, no matter what I say.
I’ve been exploring ways to encourage my kid with chores. Recently, we started a points system where tasks earn rewards. It’s hit or miss, but sometimes my kid gets excited about racking up points. One approach that’s worked is letting them choose which chores to tackle, giving a sense of control. We even time how fast we can finish cleaning together to add a bit of fun. Of course, there are days when nothing works, yet overall I see small improvements in their willingness to help around the house.
I’ve been experimenting with encouragement for my child who is five. Sometimes it works really well, and sometimes not as much. I often say things like “You’re doing a wonderful job!” when it feels like a win, which seems to lift their spirits.
I’m still figuring things out. I wonder if there’s a better way to phrase encouragement or if there’s an ideal frequency for it. Has anyone noticed encouragement working better with certain routines or tasks, like getting help with setting the table? I’d really like to hear what others have experienced.
I have been using encouragement with my kids for years and have seen it help create a more positive atmosphere at home. When they were little, simple praise for putting toys away or doing small tasks worked well. As they grew older, the approach shifted a bit. My youngest still lights up with a well-timed compliment, while my teenager sometimes needs a different nudge. I learned that genuine words make a bigger impact than generic praise. It’s nice to point out the little wins, which over time builds a positive routine. Of course, there are days when nothing seems to work, but overall, encouragement has helped our household feel a bit more connected. 
I’ve found encouragement really helpful with my kids. We started small, praising little things like putting shoes away or clearing their plates. It’s amazing how much they respond to positive words.
Over time, I noticed they started doing more without being asked. My 10-year-old now often helps set the table without prompting. The 7-year-old isn’t quite there yet, but she’s trying.
It’s not perfect every day. Sometimes they’re just not in the mood, no matter what I say. But overall, our house feels calmer and the kids seem more confident. They’re proud when they remember to do things on their own.
Consistency has been key for us. We try to notice and comment on good choices, even small ones. It’s changed how we talk to each other as a family.