Listen First: The Science of Praise

What is the science behind it?

• Praising children’s behaviour makes them feel safe and secure.

• Praising children the right way can improve self-esteem, increase motivation and enhance perseverance.

• Well measured and regular praise improves children’s behaviour and can reduce levels of hyperactivity and inattention.

• A positive parenting style using praise improves psychological and cognitive development in children. Neuroimaging studies show that a positive parenting style influences brain structure in children.

• Studies show that children develop higher self-esteem when their parents treat them warmly, but over-exaggerating or inflating praise can lower their self-esteem.

• The most effective praise is straightforward, specific and focused on effort, not ability or looks.