Praise is important for maintaining good behavior and building self-esteem. Here are some opportunities for praising your teen that happen in most households.
Praise Your Teens for:
- Listening attentively
- Finishing an activity or chore
- Working on their own
- Trying something that’s hard
Here are some examples:
“I could tell you were really listening to the story your brother was telling!”
“Thanks for doing the dishes, I really appreciate your hard work.”
“Thanks for showing me the drawing you made, you’re a really talented artist. I can’t wait to see what you make next!”
“You’re doing such a good job sitting down with your homework every night, I really see you trying and admire that determination!”
Remember to Praise Your Teen Every Day!
Try this exercise!
Take a few minutes to think of some other opportunities to praise your teen. What are some other things that you can praise them for?
We’ve focused on opportunities to praise your teen, but praise and positive reinforcement are important for everyone in the family to feel loved and appreciated. Teens, try giving your parents or siblings genuine compliments and watch them light up! A simple “thanks for a delicious dinner” or “I love that picture you colored” will go a long way!
Be Consistent!
Generally, teenagers do not need a prize to continue positive behaviors in the way younger children often do. However, parents need to consistently support the plans that were put into place in order for the teen to stay on task