Empty Praise For Children Research Paper

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According to Chris White, M.D., “empty praise” can be more harmful than helpful. It encourages children to expect praise for everything they do, good or bad (2010). The suggestion is that we allow children to do the things they are supposed to do because they are the right thing and not for the expectation of a commendation. A few recommendations by Dr. White were to allow the child to enjoy his/her own success, simply by observing the behavior; talk less and let them feel the joy of self-achievement and autonomy. Asking questions about the achievement, specifically, how they reached their goal, can encourage individual thought and ability to replicate the behavior again and again (2010). To be clearer, offering your child unconditional love and acceptance is not the same as giving praise for everything they do simply for the sake of praise. When they are loved no matter what, it is not necessary to add meaningless or minimally effective words that may become increasingly essential because of the lack of intrinsic motivation they feel. …show more content…

Offering specific praise for a job well done on a particular assignment, chore, or activity encourages a greater feeling of positive moral. Awards are acceptable as encouragement and rewards for jobs well done, but not as bribes to complete required activities (Wright, 2012). These methods are suitable for early training of children in activities such as good behavior, self-control, and the completion of daily chores and responsibilities. As the child learns to repeat the behavior over and over, the need for reinforcement by praise and treats become less. The child will learn that it actually feels good and right to complete the task under their own motivation; “I did it!” is a huge morale and self-esteem booster for all children as their ultimate goal is to reach

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