Many times, when a family brings their child in to work with me we discover that the child’s acting-out behaviors are the result of a lack of acknowledgement from their parents. In fact attention-seeking behaviors are some of the most common factors reported by parents and teachers alike for disruptions and antisocial interactions. Let’s face it, we all get busy and finding time and energy to praise our children is sometimes difficult. Though it’s easy to forget, it is important to remember that we all need attention at times. While it’s generally not preferred, negative attention is better than no attention at all and many children and teenagers learn over time that acting-out is a sure fire way to get needed acknowledgment from others. With that in mind, here are 50 Ways to praise your child that can be quick and easy. Here’s an idea for a game: Print out the list, check off each statement as you use it. See how long it takes you to use all 50 statements. GO ON – I Double-dog dare you!
1. Good Job
2. Way to go
3. What a great idea
4. Cool
5. You’re on a role
6. You’ve got it
7. Keep up the good work
8. That’s the ticket
9. You’re the man / You’re the woman
10. At-a-boy / At-a-girl
11. You go girl / You go boy
12. You are very good at that
13. Congratulations
14. You did it
15. Nice going
16. Great
17. Keep up the good work
18. That’s the way to do it
19. Fantastic
20. You’re on fire
21. Thank you
22. Right on
23. I’m impressed
24. That’s a good point
25. Awesome
26. You rocked that
27. I’m proud of you
28. That was 1st rate
29. Neat work
30. Out of sight
31. You’re blowing me away
32. Keep up the good work
33. It looks like you’ve got the hang of that
34. I couldn’t have done better myself
35. You make it look easy
36. Way to be
37. That’s is “A” work
38. Perfect
39. I think you’ve mastered it
40. That’s it
41. Nothing can stop you
42. Much Better
43. Best job ever
44. Outstanding
45. You certainly did well
46. Keep doing it just like that
47. You’ve got it made
48. Exactly Right
49. I knew you could do it
50. That’s good