Positive Discipline Topics:
Encouragement vs Praise:
What is the difference between encouragement and praise? Praise teaches dependency on external feedback (I'm “okay” if you like what I do, and I feel badly if you don't like what I do), while encouragement teaches internal validation, (I use self-evaluation to determine how I feel about what I do).
When you praise children you put the spotlight on the child and when you walk away you take the spotlight with you. When you encourage children, your words go much deeper and hopefully stir up internal motivation that is long lasting. The challenge is that many children like praise—especially if they have not experienced the differences.