Most people like rewards of some kind, it could be that slice of cake after finishing work or a glass of wine after the children are tucked in or it could even be that bit of verbal praise. A well done here or a compliment on how you have done something. However I do notice that as adults we are not as good as children at accepting praise, we either laugh of a compliment or play it down.
Children often lap it up and positive praise gives them a real boost and motivates them in even more. Schools know this and often have good reward systems in place. In the primary school we have ‘shooting stars’ these are given out in assembly on the Friday. If your child has been chosen the parents are emailed at the start of the week. Erin has been desperate to be rewarded in this way and on Friday her dream comes true. I considered not telling her and letting her realise when she was told to sit at the front on Friday but knowing how much Erin thrives on praise I decided to tell her as I knew the excitement and enthusiasm would see her through until Friday. When I told her, I wish I had vlogged her reaction, she screamed and fizzed like a bottle of pop.
Her award is for ‘outstanding progress’ Erin loves learning and the more she recieves praise the more she will do for you. She is goal orientated and she reminds me that if we are all nice to each other, recognises effort and celebrates success we will reap the rewards. I have witnessed Erin being thrilled when one of her friends moves up a group at school. She also came out of school really happy (and proud – her words not mine) when one of the boys was given his first word pack. Erin commented how happy it had made the boy.
As adults I think we need to go back to childhood and remember that a positive word, a reward and some encouragement can have a lasting effect. Too many of us don’t welcome a compliment or a reward that is offered and maybe we would all be a bit happier if we did. When was the last time you praised someone other than a child?
I was recently sent a personalised book for Erin to enjoy. The book (by wondrous ink ) takes the child’s name and uses the letters to highlight some personal qualities.
The story tells the tale of a little girl who goes on a quest to find out what makes her special and discovers along the way an enchanting world or magic and new friendships.
I really enjoyed reading the story with Erin and drawing out similarities between the fictional girl and my own Erin. To me books that praise children and make them feel special are so important. This book was great for raising self esteem and share the reasons why the child is special.
Again as adults maybe we could learn something from this book. I have been given a book to also giveaway that will be personalised for you. To enter I just would love to know which book you enjoy reading to children. Closing date Apr 9th 2015
20 Responses
flat stanley , loves those books x
What you say about accepting praise as an adult is very true Emma. We have enjoyed reading all the Julia Donaldson books together, especially The Snail and the Whale.
What a lovely book and really nice for kids to enjoy.
Oh that book is amazing. I think the problem comes in childhood – when a child is praised/does well a lot and others get resentful, you soon learn to keep it quiet.
This looks like a great book, and what you say is very true xx
We love reading the Snail and the Whale, it’s such a great story of friendship. Congratulations to your daughter on her award.
I have a Wonderous Ink book for my daughter. It is such a lovely book that constantly reinforces how fabulous our children are. I agree with you though, as an adult I find praise embarrassing! No idea why!
I think we need to learn to accept praise gracefully as adults, but also learn not to praise children for everything. Hollow praise as my mum called it!
nursery rhymes
Great post! We have this book for Sienna and love it! such a good concept 🙂 x
we adore reading repetitive rhyming books with Joshua 🙂
I love reading and it’s very hard to choose one book but the Harry Potter series and the How To Train Your Dragon series stand out for me.
Aw what an absolutely lovely book this is, such a good idea x
im not great with accepting praise nor any sort of nice comments towards me , this is a great post
The magic faraway tree series has been a favourite for a while now 🙂
im rubbish at accepting praise yet am always after it! my parents were very hard faced so i do not remember alot of praise. must try harder with my own kids!
I like reading The Gruffalo to my children and also Room on the Broom.
This looks like such a lovely book. I’m terrible at accepting praise.
What a great book and I definitely agree, praise makes the world a better, happier place for everyone!
Where the wild things are
My children both have their own Wondrous Ink book and they are so nice to read together. I agree that adults accept praise differently to children; I know I always play things down.