Why is showing praise to children so important? If you have seen our recent instagram post then you’ll know we touched on the positive effects praise has on developing motivation, confidence and behaviour in children..
An essential part of each and every Ultimate Kids Camp is at the end of each day giving out our awards and giving praise and recognition to the children – and we love it! The uplifting end to our day allows the children to leave with the biggest smile on their face and sets the tone for the following day. It allows each and every child to gain the recognition they deserve and feel rewarded for their hard work, skill progression, positive attitude or role model values shown.
Praise is a crucial tool, not just on camp, but also at home and in school, for parents, teachers and caregivers to help children develop positive self-esteem and confidence. When children receive praise, it’s clear to see that they feel more valued and recognised for their efforts and accomplishments, no matter how big or small. This positive reinforcement helps them develop a strong sense of self-worth, which is essential for their emotional and psychological well-being.
One of the most significant benefits of praise is that it increases a child’s self-esteem. Children who receive praise feel good about themselves and their abilities, which encourages them to take on new challenges and develop new skills. This positive reinforcement can be especially helpful for children who may struggle with self-doubt or self-criticism.
Another benefit of praise is that it can improve a child’s motivation. When children are praised for their efforts, they are more likely to continue working hard and trying their best, even when faced with difficult tasks or challenges. This can help them develop a growth mindset, where they see mistakes as opportunities for learning and improvement. Children who have a growth mindset are more resilient and better able to cope with setbacks and failures.
Praise can also strengthen the relationship between parents, caregivers, and children. When children feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to trust and respect the adults in their lives. This can lead to a more positive and supportive family, friendship and educational dynamic, which can have long-lasting benefits for everyone involved.
Finally, praise can lead to better behaviour. When children receive positive feedback for good behaviour, they are more likely to repeat that behaviour in the future. This can help them develop positive habits and attitudes that will serve them well throughout their childhood and way beyond. For example, children who are praised for sharing and taking turns are more likely to continue exhibiting those behaviours in the future.
It is important to note that providing praise in a specific and genuine way is essential. Although generic compliments like “good job” can be meaningful to an extent, sometimes it is important to be specific about what the child did well and to provide feedback that is sincere and authentic. For example, instead of simply saying “good job,” try saying something like, “I really liked the way you worked hard on that project and came up with such creative ideas, keep it up.” This helps children understand what behaviours are valued and encourages them to continue working on those skills. This is something we really emphasise to our Ultimate Kids Coaches when it comes to the end of the day when giving our our Ultimate Kids Of The Day Awards. It is amazing to see the children’s faces after receiving their prizes and hearing a mini speech with the reasoning for their awards – not only the prize winners but each and every one of the other children who also clap and praise the children. Smiles all round.
Already our team are so excited for our May Ultimate Kids Camps and we’ve spend this Tuesday picking up A LOT of new medals and trophies for the upcoming camps all through the summer. We can’t wait to see you all and share more praise. See you soon!
