Alternatives to Good Job

What we say and how we say it makes such a difference in the way children behave.  Here is a list of 25 alternatives to "Good Job" from Picklebums.com to get your started towards more specific praise for your child.

Say thank you when you mean it – explain why you are grateful for your child’s actions.

• Thank you for helping with…
• It makes mornings/dinner/outings easier when you…. thank you
• I really appreciate it when you…
• Thank you for doing that… it means I/we can now…

Make an observation based on facts – just say what you see without emotions or judgment.

• We did it together.
• Wow! You made a building/drawing/etc.
• You did it on your own.
• You did x and then y and worked it out.
• You used lots of red paint/blocks/tape/etc.
• You made it really big/small/colourful/complicated/etc.
• That took you a long time, and you did it!

 
Extend and encourage – extend learning and encourage conversation by asking questions about what you see while also recognising their efforts.

• How did you do that?
• You did X, what will you do now?
• Can you tell me about it?
• What is your favourite part?
• How did you think of that?

 
Put feelings into words – explain how something makes you feel, help your kids notice how their actions make others feel and acknowledge your children’s own feelings.

• I really enjoy doing this with you.
• I love watching you create/help your sister/play soccer/ etc.
• I’m so proud to be your mum, every day, no matter what.
• Look how happy your friend is when you share/help/smile/etc.
• You kept going, even when it was hard.
• You look so pleased to have done that!
• You made X feel so pleased when you did that.
• It makes you feel good when you do X.

 
Say nothing – we don’t need to praise every little action, or fill every space with noise. It is enough to sit back and watch our children’s delight in their own achievements

• Say nothing – just smile.