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Parenting Tips on Nov. 18 Fox 4 Morning News: The Importance of Praise

How often do you give your child a high five or thumbs up?  Praise is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach their children and help them grow emotionally. Tune into Fox 4 News on Tuesday, November 18th, to learn tips on how to praise effectively.

Why praise is important

• It builds self-confidence and feelings of worth
• It shows love is not dependent on behavior
• It keeps children from finding negative ways to get attention
• It encourages them to keep trying

How to give positive praise

• Apply the 4 to 1 rule: 4 praises for every 1 criticism
• Describe specifically what your child did well
• Praise things your children already do well; improvements in behavior and attempts at new skills
• Show your approval by smiling, back-patting, hugs and kisses