Encouragement Versus Praise

Rachel Robertson, in an Exchange article called “Making Happy Happen: Building Resilience in Children” describes the difference between encouragement and praise: “We live in a culture where a blue ribbon, a gold star, a trophy, or at minimum an enthusiastic, ‘Good job!’ has become commonplace and even expected when children participate in an activity, regardless of their effort or outcomes. Many feel these practices are important to build a child’s self-esteem and are harmless. In fact, they are neither. While each situation in and of itself is not harmful, and some are perfectly appropriate, the practice of continually praising or over-praising a child can be.”

Instead of over-praising, Robertson explains that: “As an alternative to praising the outcome or end result or the children themselves, we should offer recognition and encouragement for their efforts and attitude.”

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