official blog post #2

One of the big philosophies in the Cal Poly Child Development program is effective communication with children. More specifically the issue of vague “good jobs!” I understand the pain, your child completes a task you’re happy about and the first words out of your mouth, “Good job honey!” But what if you just stop there? Studies show that generic praise such as “good job” or “great work” creates the implication that failure is generic as well. Young children especially aren’t able to distinguish what led to their success. Children are more likely to give up on a task they experience difficulty with or perhaps not try it at all. In my work with children, I’ve experienced the frustration of being unable to get a child to duplicate an action I’ve praised them for previously. Why don’t they remember that I liked that? Are they trying to be difficult? As true as that sometimes may feel it’s likely not the case. By creating specific, non-generic praise, children are more likely to remember what makes mommy or daddy happy and are more likely to duplicate that behavior.

So how does that play out? Be specific in your compliments. What exactly do you like about their work? If it’s praise for extended attention at a fine motor task, “Wow! Look at how you stayed in the lines with this coloring. I saw how hard you were working at that and I’m really proud of you”. Wordy? Perhaps, but is it wordier than having to repeat yourself because your child doesn’t remember your generic praise?

If you find yourself having a hard time kicking the “good job” habit then tack on more specific approval after you hear that initial phrase slipping off your tongue. “Good job! It looks like you worked really hard at staying inside those lines” There’s no reason we should hold outstretched, crossed fingers to the words “good job”. Our children aren’t generic, they’re one of a kind, developing humans. So next time you see them hard at work make sure they know exactly why you love and appreciate them so much!

In the spirit of keeping my personal blog updated with my professional blog life (can I really say that?! blows my mind every time!) here's blog post #2 for EcoBambino. Word on the street is that I get to go live tomorrow but we'll see! As soon as I do, the link will be up here! I got to take pictures of kids doing our Plan Toys Earth Day craft activity which was awesome. Due to confidentiality and not getting parent permission for my own blog, I don't want to post them but I will give you the link to Amanda's post! All pictures by Katherine the Great! I can't even begin to voice how much I love this internship and the work I do for it. 

Also, that gorgeous little kid in the picture with me? I miss her a lot. 

Happy Sunday!