Effective Praise Matters
Antoinette Steyn • March 31, 2022
When it comes to praising our kids, statements such as “you are so clever” or “You are the prettiest girl ever” will not suffice. Effective praise needs to adhere to a few specific elements, which include:
- Looking beyond whatever your child achieved
e.g: “It was great that your team won the team, I also noticed how good you are at motivating your team members, you are a good team player”. - Focus on the steps they took to achieve their goal
e.g: “Even though it was hard, you kept on trying. I am so proud of you”
- Make sure you recognise hard work and practice
e.g: “I can see that you have been practicing/working hard it shows in your results”
There are many reasons why detailed effective praise works. When we look beyond only achievements, our kids recognise that we care about them as a person and for who they are. When we focus on how a child achieved a certain goal, it can teach them that doing their best matters and when we notice the fact that they work hard, they learn that hard work produces results.
Share Post
Complete the following form if you require more info about EQ4kids or want to enroll your child at your nearest Franchise.
Blog Enquiry
Fear is a natural and universal emotion that everyone experiences at some point. For children, fear can stem from a variety of sources—whether it’s the fear of the dark, separation from parents, new social situations, or fears of failure. While fear is a protective emotion designed to keep us safe, when it becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can hinder a child’s emotional growth and daily functioning. Teaching children how to manage and cope with fear through emotional intelligence (EQ) can help them face challenges confidently and build resilience in the process.
Intelligence for a Healthier Response
Aggression in children is a common challenge faced by parents, teachers, and caregivers. Whether it’s hitting, biting, yelling, or even verbal outbursts, aggressive behaviours can be concerning and difficult to address. However, behind every aggressive action is an emotion—frustration, anger, or feeling misunderstood—that needs to be processed and managed. Helping children develop emotional intelligence (EQ) is one of the most effective ways to address aggressiveness and foster healthier ways of expressing emotions.
As parents, we play a pivotal role in shaping our children’s emotional experiences. While feelings like joy, excitement, and pride are often celebrated, emotions like shame are more difficult to navigate. However, understanding and managing shame in a healthy way is crucial for emotional well-being and growth. Shame is a powerful emotion, and if handled poorly, it can have lasting negative effects on a child’s self-esteem and sense of worth.
In today’s fast-paced, interconnected world, emotional intelligence (EQ) is more important than ever. It’s the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, while also empathizing with others. High EQ is not just about being "nice"—it’s a skill set that helps people build meaningful relationships, collaborate effectively, and navigate life’s challenges. For children, developing emotional intelligence can be a game-changer, laying the foundation for not only strong social skills but also essential life skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Children learn more from what their parents do than from what they say. This principle is especially true when it comes to emotional intelligence (EQ). As children observe and interact with their parents, they develop the foundations for understanding, expressing, and managing their own emotions. A parent’s level of emotional intelligence can profoundly shape their child’s emotional development, influencing how they navigate relationships, handle challenges, and express themselves.
Academic success is often associated with intellect and hard work, but there’s another vital ingredient that’s often overlooked: emotional intelligence (EQ). EQ refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s emotions, as well as empathize with others. It plays a significant role in shaping how students approach learning, handle challenges, and interact in academic settings.
In a world increasingly driven by connection, collaboration, and empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ) is no longer an optional skill—it’s a necessity. EQ encompasses the ability to understand, manage, and express emotions while recognizing and respecting the feelings of others. For children, these abilities are foundational to success not just in relationships but in academics, careers, and personal well-being.
Helping young children take emotional responsibility for their actions is one of the most meaningful lessons parents and caregivers can teach. Emotional responsibility involves recognizing one’s feelings, understanding how those feelings impact behaviour, and taking ownership of actions and their consequences. For young children, this can be challenging, but with patience and the right strategies, they can learn to navigate their emotions while developing empathy and accountability.
Biting is a common yet challenging behavior among preschool-aged children. While it can be distressing for parents, caregivers, and other children, it’s important to understand that biting is often a developmental phase. For young children who are still learning to express themselves verbally, biting can be a way of communicating frustration, seeking attention, or exploring their environment.