As conscientious parents, we always try to do and say the right things to our children. But do we always get it right?
How often have I caught myself saying, " What a beautiful drawing this is!"
Such a statement, along with praise, imposes 'expectation' on our kids. They hear that we loved the drawing. The next time they draw, this could lead to them wondering whether we will love the new drawing as much. This leads to insecurity, self-doubt and hesitancy.
The right thing to say would be, " I love to see you drawing"
Just a happy statement, no expectation. The child can draw whatever he/she likes, with confidence and enjoyment.
This is applicable not just to drawing but any activity children do.
Read on - a lovely article -
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-macy-stafford/six-words-you-should-say-today_b_3863643.html
How often have I caught myself saying, " What a beautiful drawing this is!"
Such a statement, along with praise, imposes 'expectation' on our kids. They hear that we loved the drawing. The next time they draw, this could lead to them wondering whether we will love the new drawing as much. This leads to insecurity, self-doubt and hesitancy.
The right thing to say would be, " I love to see you drawing"
Just a happy statement, no expectation. The child can draw whatever he/she likes, with confidence and enjoyment.
This is applicable not just to drawing but any activity children do.
Read on - a lovely article -
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-macy-stafford/six-words-you-should-say-today_b_3863643.html
Very true. It's just like refraining from saying 'You're such a naughty boy/girl!', and saying instead, 'that wasn't a very nice thing to do' - emphasizing that the act, not the child, was 'naughty' or 'bad'...
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