Appreciative and Descriptive Praise

When it comes to praise, we have to be careful about how we praise our children. 

There are two types of praises. There is descriptive praise and also appreciative praise. Descriptive praise is showing appreciation for specific things that they have done. Appreciative praise is praising the child for what they have done and how it has impacted others.

Praise nurtures confidence and self-esteem in your children.  Both of the types of praise described above are important for your child to hear. 

Here are some examples of ways to praise your child at different ages.

Children ages 1-2:

Appreciative Praise - Thank you for being so soft and playing with your sister! It made her so happy.

Descriptive Praise - Good job going to bed last night without fussing or crying!

Children ages 3-6:

Appreciative Praise - I really appreciate you putting all your toys away so that the living room was clean for all of us.

Descriptive Praise - Thank you for not talking and being super quiet when I asked!

Children ages 7-11:

Appreciative Praise - It was really nice of you to share your ice cream with your friend. I bet she really liked it!

Descriptive Praise - Good job brushing your teeth and getting ready for bed all on your own!

Children ages 12-17:

Appreciative Praise - Thank you for making dinner for the family tonight. It really helped me while I was taking care of your little brother.

Descriptive Praise - I like how you called me the other day when you were running late! It kept me from worrying so thank you for that!

For more information, watch this video about the Power of Praise!