The words we use to guide our children have a huge impact on their mental health, so positive parenting uses feedback to build children’s self-esteem, build resilience, and improve their mental health. The emphasis is on promoting. What we communicate to children through words and non-verbal cues shapes the development of their self-image and self-esteem, which becomes the basis for their inner self-dialogue that continues into adulthood.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Mansi Poddar, a psychotherapist who reported trauma, said, “When feedback emphasizes effort and progress, it validates the child’s efforts and celebrates their growth. This increases self-confidence. and builds a positive self-image.Instead of saying, “Good job,” feedback emphasizes effort and progress.” Be specific and say, “I like the way you use different colors in your paintings.”
Mansi Poddar asserts that positive feedback brings true joy in learning and achievement, revealing: Emphasize the child’s efforts by saying, “You practiced the piano piece. It sounds really good!” When parents provide feedback that acknowledges their emotions, children learn to identify and manage their emotions. This develops emotional intelligence. Notice how their actions affect you. “I feel happy when you share your toys.”
She goes on to say, “Celebrating efforts after overcoming challenges can help build resilience in children.” A simple response like, “I know that test was difficult, but you kept trying!” can go a long way. It could make a difference. Here children learn that mistakes are stepping stones, not setbacks. This builds grit and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. ”
Sandy Diaz Andrade, psychotherapist and founder and director of the Just Being Center for Mindfulness and Presence, similarly leveraged her expertise to emphasize, When we are harsh, critical, and impatient, our self-talk is interpreted as “I’m not okay” or “I’m not perfect,” and in order to be accepted and loved, I have to act a certain way. It has to be, or “I’m not perfect” is enough.”
“When we encourage or comfort them, their efforts and attributes are not only reflected in our words, but in the way we look, touch, and in some way interact with them. “They really see that being expressed,” she concluded. It validates who they are on a deeper level of being. They feel seen for who they are. This creates a natural ease and confidence in being who you are, with yourself, with others, and with the world. We act as a mirror to their own inner psyche. ”
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