Dr. Ana Aznar
Table of contents
Is praise a helpful way to guide your child's behavior? Find expert advice on using positive reinforcement for young children as Dr. Ana answers real questions from parents about discipline, praise, and more, with warmth and expertise.
Positive Consequences for Children
Question: “What do you think about positive consequences for children as a tactic? I know discipline is important, but I'm also praising my daughter (she's two) when she does something good unprompted. Is that okay? I kind of feel like I'm using my experience in dog training on my kid and I don't want to mess up lol”
Dr. Ana’s Expert Answer
Praise is an excellent way to teach our children what is right and what is wrong. Very often, as parents, we focus on the things they do wrong (e.g., “Don’t touch that!”; “Stop doing that!”) but we ignore them when they behave well. Praising them is a great method to teach them right and wrong. It is better to use praise in a very specific way, so they know what behaviours they should repeat. So, instead of saying “You are such a good girl”, tell her “Well done for tidying up so nicely”.
Praise as a Form of Discipline
When we praise our children, we are disciplining them. Very often, we think that discipline is about punishment, but it is much more than that. The aim of discipline is to teach our children what is wrong and what is right. So, praise is an element of discipline.
Keep Praising—It’s a Great Idea
So, keep praising your daughter when she behaves well. It is definitely a good idea!
You can also find these articles useful:
- How to Discipline Your Child: An Age-By-Age Guide
- How to Discipline a 3 Year-Old?
- Is Smacking Your Child Ever OK?
- Let’s Be Honest: Who Doesn’t Ever Yell at Their Kids?
I wish you both all the very best.
Love,
Ana
Is It Okay to Praise Young Children for Good Behavior?
Absolutely. Using specific praise helps your child learn which behaviors are positive and worth repeating.
Will Praising My Child Spoil Them?
Consistent, specific praise for positive actions encourages healthy development and does not spoil a child. Focus on effort and positive choices, not just outcomes.
How Can I Use Praise Effectively?
Use praise for specific behaviors, like “Thank you for putting your toys away!” This helps your child understand exactly what they did well and encourages them to repeat it.
Are There Other Effective Discipline Strategies for Young Children?
Alongside praise, setting clear expectations and modeling positive behaviors create a nurturing and structured environment. Learn more in our recommended articles linked above.
Do you have questions for Dr. Ana? Ask for free today!
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