Raising neurodivergent kids can bring both excitement and challenges, with positive feedback being a driving force of motivation for them. It’s essential to find the right balance while conveying appreciation and encouragement, so we’re here to help you strike the perfect chord. In this article, we’ll share five actionable examples of positive feedback that focus on effort, processes, problem-solving, personal growth, and specificity. These tips will help you strengthen your bond with your child, aiding them through their journey of self-discovery and growth. Let’s ensure they thrive with confidence and a hearty dose of self-esteem!
1. Celebrate the Effort
A crucial ingredient of meaningful feedback is appreciating your child’s determination and endeavors.
Example: “You really put in the effort to complete this puzzle, and it shows! I’m proud of how persistent you were.”
Be sure to pinpoint the specific action or skill your child demonstrated, emphasizing the significance of their determination. This approach acknowledges their hard work and teaches life lessons about perseverance and building resilience.
Why this works:
- Reinforces the value of hard work and commitment.
- Encourages kids to persist, even when faced with obstacles.
- Builds self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment.
2. Focus on the Process
Applauding outcomes is fantastic, but acknowledging the process can make a significant difference.
Read more: How to Communicate With a Nonverbal Autism Child
Example: “You did a wonderful job planning and organizing your project before diving in. That’s a smart strategy!”
By praising the methods and tactics your child used to achieve their goals, you help them identify their strengths and understand the value of proper planning.
Why this works:
- Emphasizes the importance of a well-thought-out process.
- Helps them develop effective problem-solving skills.
- Steers their focus toward strategy and planning, instead of purely the results.
3. Encourage Problem-Solving
Neurodivergent kids often face challenges. Recognizing their problem-solving skills can make all the difference.
Example: “Wow, you came up with a clever solution when you hit a snag. Keep exercising that creativity!”
This type of feedback not only acknowledges their accomplishment but also underlines the importance of critical thinking and adaptability.
Why this works:
- Fosters the development of creative problem-solving skills.
- Boosts confidence in their ability to tackle challenges.
- Encourages a mindset of adaptability and growth.
Read more: 7 Life Skills Activities for Kids
4. Acknowledge Personal Growth
Shine a spotlight on progress, no matter how small. By identifying specific areas of improvement, you nurture your child’s self-esteem.
Example: “Your reading skills have improved so much! I can tell you’re more at ease and confident now.” Recognizing their growth helps build their confidence and bolsters their desire to continue improving.
Why this works:
- Highlights and validates their personal achievements.
- Reinforces the importance of continued growth and development.
- Inspires a sense of pride and accomplishment.
5. Be Specific
Clear, specific compliments resonate far better with children than vague ones.
Example: “I really love how you utilized various colors in your drawing – each detail caught my eye!”
Precise praise helps your child grasp which behaviors to replicate and what aspects of their work are particularly impressive.
Why this works:
- Clarifies the aspects they excelled in, promoting a sense of accomplishment.
- Enhances their understanding of their strengths, paving the way for continued growth.
- Encourages them to fine-tune their skills even further.
Goally | Apps That Build Behavior & Life Skills for Kids
Want to keep your child motivated while building essential behavior and life skills? Goally’s skill-building tablet is designed to celebrate small wins and help your child grow.
Our Behavior Tracker helps you reward your kiddo for specific skills, like “being kind” or “flushing the toilet.”
By setting clear expectations and rewarding their efforts, you foster a positive environment for your child to flourish in their behavioral skills journey.
Conclusively, offering these five examples of positive feedback will create a foundation to foster your child’s unwavering self-esteem, motivation, and well-being. Use genuine, precise, and growth-oriented praise to remind them of their unique strengths and help bolster their full potential. Cheers to confident, happy, and self-assured young individuals!
This post was originally published on 05/26/2023. It was updated on 12/21/2023.
Goally
We help parents teach their kids life skills, like doing bedtime and morning independently. Backed by science, we incorporate evidence-based practices and expert-informed designs in all of our apps and content.
