As a new school year begins, both children and parents will face many challenges. These challenges will take a variety of forms as the year progresses. They may be academic, social, emotional, or physical. They may relate to grades, friendships, or extra-curricular activities. It is important, whatever the situation or circumstance, that your child comes away feeling encouraged rather than discouraged. 

 Most are familiar with the concept of “praise”, and have a fair understanding of how to implement the technique. Praise has its place, but also has its limitations. For example, how does one praise a “D” grade, when both the parent and the child know that it is below average? Yet, maybe that D has improved from an F, and truly represents the best the child can do. Perhaps a picture was drawn that falls short of the child’s personal expectations. To say, “Great picture!” translates to the child as false praise, which is often worse than no praise at all. What is a parent to do? “Encouragement” takes over when “praise” just doesn’t fit. How do the two differ?