Children’s Corner: Positive Thinking

Support children’s positive self-talk by teaching them to analyze the positive aspects of their own work/performance/etc.

When kids come to you for praise rather than saying the normal, “Great Job!” ask them to describe what they like about their work or performance.

For example, “Mom, is my drawing good?” Your response, “Hmmm, let me take a look. What part of the drawing do you like the best?”

Once a positive approach to critiquing oneself is developed you can ask them to look at aspects of their work they think should be improved.

Another great way to support kids in thinking positively is to guide them to look at the positive aspects of other’s work/performances.