A few minutes of your undivided attention means more to children than things you can buy. As they learn how to behave, their growing skills give them confidence in their own abilities and create positive reactions from other people they encounter, which further encourages them. When you discipline, treat your children with the same understanding you would offer a friend. Give your children something meaningful to do, structured in a way that is challenging but achievable. Making a contribution gives everyone a lift, and children are no exception.
Young children can help at home.
These comments also help children recognize their abilities and progress. Kids sniff out false praise like overcooked broccoli, so make sure your positive comments are deserved. Help children deal with failure. You can also use failures as opportunities to discuss what went wrong and what can be done differently next time. Lynne Wikoff is a Honolulu-based freelance writer who holds a master's degree in social work with an emphasis on child development.