So, what does it take for a child to be successful at something like math or learning a language? Does it take talent? Research shows that there are certainly individual differences in predisposition for learning certain skills, but that this talent doesn’t get us very far. What really matters is putting in hours of hard …Read More
Encouraging A Growth Mindset: A Presentation by Dr. Vickie Schafer
Nov 9, 2009
Recent research by Dr. Carol Dweck has found the importance of encouraging a growth mindset in our children. Children who learn that success comes from effort, rather than from innate characteristics (such as intelligence) are more willing to try harder things and practice until they learn something. This Power Point is from a presentation I …Read More
Use of Praise with Children – Part 3
May 5, 2007
I call this technique the “principle of opposites.” It’s simple but effective. What is the most annoying behavior of your child? Does he frequently interrupt you? Does she have trouble complying with directions? What ever behavior it is, find its opposite…that’s the one that you really want to see more of anyway. Instead of giving …Read More
Use of Praise with Children – Part 2
May 4, 2007
When praising children, another helpful approach is to be specific about the praise. Often we assume that, when we say “good job,” little Billy knows to what we are referring. Billy might not have a clue. For example, if you exclaim “Wonderful job!” to Billy after he finishes a soccer game, how is he to …Read More
Use of Praise with Children – Part 1
Apr 28, 2007
It seems like it is common wisdom to praise our kids for things like their athletic skills, musical ability, intelligence, creativity, talent, etc. We want them to internalize all of our praise and have high self-esteem, right? Interestingly, the research does not bear this out. Praising kids for things that are not directly under their …Read More