I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately with my kids. How much of a difference does encouragement really make? I try to use positive reinforcement, but sometimes I wonder if I’m overdoing it or if it’s actually effective. Any parents have experiences to share on this? What have you found works best when it comes to encouraging your kids?
Encouragement has been super helpful in our house. My kids really respond to it, especially for things they find challenging.
We started a little chart for chores and homework. They get stickers for completing tasks, and after a certain number, they can pick a small reward. It’s amazing how excited they get about those stickers!
For new skills, I try to focus on their effort. Like when my youngest was learning to ride a bike, I’d point out how they kept trying even when it was hard. That seemed to motivate them more than focusing on the end result.
It’s not perfect, but we’ve seen a big difference in their willingness to try new things and stick with tasks. They seem more confident too.
I’m still figuring out this whole encouragement thing with my 5-year-old. Sometimes I worry I’m not doing it right or enough.
Lately, I’ve been trying to notice and comment on small efforts, like when my kid attempts to tie their shoes. It seems to boost their confidence a bit.
I’m curious how other parents handle encouragement as kids get older. Does it change? Should we encourage differently for chores versus new skills? I’d love to hear what’s worked for others long-term.
Encouragement works well with my kids, especially for new skills. Small compliments go a long way.
I try not to overdo it though. Kids are smart and can tell when praise isn’t genuine.
Finding the right balance takes practice.
I remember when my kids were younger, encouragement made a big difference. It wasn’t always easy, but I noticed they tried harder when I pointed out their efforts. For chores, we used a simple chart on the fridge. Each completed task earned a star, and at the end of the week, they could trade stars for small rewards or privileges. My oldest really got into it, while my youngest needed more reminders at first. As they got older, we adjusted our approach. Now, with teenagers, I find acknowledging their contributions to the household works better than constant praise. They seem to appreciate a sincere ‘thanks for helping out’ more than elaborate compliments. Every kid is different though. What worked for mine might not work for others. The key was finding a balance and being consistent with our expectations and encouragement. 
My kid and I recently started a game with household tasks. We roll dice to pick chores, and each completed task earns points. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would work, but it’s been surprisingly fun. My kid gets excited about the randomness and likes seeing the points add up. We’re still tweaking the system, but it’s made chores less of a battle. I’ve noticed my kid taking more initiative too. It’s not perfect, but turning chores into a game has definitely helped in our house.