Winmore

Who doesn’t like to be appreciated? In fact, a genuine praise can make your day. So will your little one’s.

It goes the other way around as well. Wrong choice of words can negatively impact their behaviour. Too much of appreciation can also make them indifferent, demanding and entitled.

The trick is to have a balance – to make them feel loved and have a positive reinforcement.

1. Listen to your child

Listening is a non-verbal mode of appreciation. When you lend your child an ear to all their chronicles of the day, they feel valued. You are showing them how it feels to be heard and respected, especially by someone they adore. If you listen to them today, they will listen to you tomorrow.

2. Appreciate the good work

If you don’t fail in reprimanding them when they commit a “bad boy/ girl” act, you also have the responsibility to acknowledge their good work. Instead of just saying “Good boy!” or “Good girl!”, bring the focus on the effort they put in. For example, “I can see that you studied hard and that’s seen in the results. Keep up the good work!”

3. Involve them in age-appropriate family discussions

When your child is mindfully made a part of discussions and decision making, they will feel valued and appreciated. Let them choose their outfit for outings. Ask them what they would like you to cook for breakfast or lunch. In addition to becoming independent, they will also start to make smart-reasonable choices.

4. Praise them for participatinga

Whether it is a school event or  competition, even if they don’t make it to the top, appreciate taking part in it. Your motivation matters a lot because (say it together!) participation is the key!

5. Express your love

There is a whole generation of parents who did not believe in expressing their love in words. They did it in actions instead. Sometimes, children do not catch the signals. Moreover, they deserve to hear how much you love them. Say, “I love you” like you mean it and you’ll get to hear it back.

6. Thank them for the little things they do

“Thank you” is the magical way of saying, “I appreciate you.” From fetching you a glass of water to checking on you when you are sick, recognise their little acts. Apart from making them happy, they will also learn to lead a grateful life.

7. Compliment their appearance

Beauty is skin deep, agreed. But modern world had a way of making children and adolescents feel insecure about their looks. If your child is body shamed in your presence, stand up for them, letting them know it is not okay.

More importantly, start appreciating them from infancy. When you tell them that they are perfect the way they are, they will grow up to be confident and smart individuals.

As appreciation becomes a habit, they will on focus more on the good things and lead a better life.