• our words can affect how our children think about themselves for the rest of their lives
• don’t give praise indiscriminately – look for attributes and actions to commend them for
• words of affirmation build them up and will affect their behavior and achievement
• practice commending for success more than criticizing for failure
• correct mistakes without condemning the child

How natural do you find it to speak affirming words to your child(ren)?  What helps you as a parent to give more praise than criticism?