Children who are praised for everything don't learn to put forth their best effort. Children also pay attention to what you say to others about them, so make sure you're careful when they're around. They need to know you mean it when you tell them they're great, so let them hear you proudly telling others about their accomplishments. It's sometimes hard to think up ways to say "That's good" without saying the same old thing. Here is a list of ways you can praise your child (or anyone else) in specific ways.

• 1. I like the way you did that.
• 2. Wow! Where did you learn that?
• 3. You figured that out all by yourself.
• 4. I see an improvement.
• 5. You must be growing up.
• 6. Congratulations.
• 7. You did that without a reminder!
• 8. That's a good idea.
• 9. I knew you could do it!
• 10. Tell me how you did that.
• 11. I'm proud of you.
• 12. I can tell you did your best.
• 13. I'm glad you did that.
• 14. That's even better than I expected.
• 15. I think that's one of your strengths.
• 16. You remembered!
• 17. Hurray!
• 18. Yes!
• 19. You do that better than I do.
• 20. I'm glad you learned that.
• 21. You are so good at that.
• 22. I can tell you tried hard.
• 23. I think you really surprised her (him).
• 24. It makes me happy to say you're my child.
• 25. I'm glad I can trust you to do that.
• 26. That was thoughtful.
• 27. You've earned a reward.
• 28. [Give a hug.]
• 29. That was hard for you, wasn't it?
• 30. Since you're so good at it, maybe you can help someone else.
• 31. That might help you with a job someday.
• 32. I'm glad you did that.
• 33. You really made him (her) happy.
• 34. You did it!
• 35. This is an exciting day.
• 36. Three cheers for you!

I'm sure there are more ways to say good things to your child. If you can think of more, please email me and I will add them to the list.