Chapter 1: A Daily Learning Routine

My son has recently adopted a new daily habit. Each day, I create a set of straightforward math exercises for him, utilizing ChatGPT's assistance. The objective is to make learning an integral part of his day-to-day life.

It’s not about a frantic race to achieve genius status overnight; rather, it’s the small, consistent actions he takes every single day that matter most. By tackling these problems, I hope he’s not only mastering math concepts but also grasping the importance of persistence and the joy of overcoming obstacles.

With each passing day, he is becoming more adept, completing tasks more swiftly. This is the remarkable power of consistency.

Every time he finishes a task, I make sure to commend him. I recognize that acknowledging hard work is crucial. Truthfully, we could all benefit from a little more recognition for our efforts. This belief isn’t just personal; research supports it.

Studies indicate that when we appreciate someone’s hard work, we enhance their self-esteem, motivate them to persist, and make them feel valued. A simple compliment can have a profound impact, which is why I continuously encourage my son, aiming to nurture not only his intellect but also his spirit.

Chapter 2: Rethinking Praise

However, a fascinating study recently captured my attention. Named “When Parents’ Praise Inflates, Children’s Self-Esteem Deflates” by Eddie Brummelman and his colleagues, it reveals some surprising insights.

Their research indicates that overly inflated compliments like “You’re brilliant!” may actually be counterproductive.

Instead of uplifting children, such praise can create undue pressure, particularly for those with already fragile self-esteem. They often feel less secure rather than more confident, which is the opposite of our intent.

This revelation transformed my perspective on giving praise. The primary aim should be to enhance confidence and resilience, not inadvertently impose stress or anxiety.

The study advocates for a new approach to complimenting our children. Instead of exaggerated and personal praise, we should emphasize effort-oriented recognition.

Phrases such as “You put in a lot of hard work!” not only highlight their effort but also encourage resilience and motivation, independent of the results. This helps children appreciate not just the end goal but also the journey toward it.

Ultimately, I believe that complimenting goes beyond simply offering kind words. It involves selecting the right expressions and considering their effects on children.

Starting tomorrow, I will transition to effort-based praise instead of focusing solely on outcomes, emphasizing that the journey holds as much value as the destination.

The first video title is Tips to Change Your Child's Behaviour that Actually Work! Using Descriptive Praise - YouTube. This video discusses effective strategies to modify children's behavior through thoughtful praise and recognition.

The second video title is How Praise Can Damage Your Child's Confidence - YouTube. This video explores the potential downsides of excessive praise and how it can affect children's self-esteem.