Student Wellbeing

Using praise and encouragement may change difficult behaviour and replace it with desirable behaviour.  Adolescents are more likely to repeat behaviour that earns praise or encouragement.

Sadly, we are more likely to notice difficult behaviours than positive behaviours, so we need to focus on instances when our student/child is behaving in positive ways, and praise that behaviour.

Recognition and encouragement of good behaviour are highly recommended when you feel someone has tried.

The small things you say can build up over time to have a big effect on others:

Use nonverbal ways to praise or encourage: a thumbs up, smile or high five can be powerful

• Look for little changes and successes and try to praise any effort or improvement.
• Try to praise more than you criticise.  As a guide, try to praise five times for every one time you say something negative.
• Praise should be given for strengths in a person’s area of interest.  This helps develop a sense of pride and self-confidence.
• Try to make your praise appropriate to the behaviour.
• Use praise and rewards in age-appropriate ways.  For example, teenagers might not want to be praised publicly for their efforts!

Reference raisingchildren.net.au