Unlocking the Power of Descriptive Praise: A Practical Guide

The Power of Descriptive Praise: Building Better Behaviors Through Specific Feedback

Imagine telling your child, “Good job!” after they’ve cleaned their room. Sure, it’s positive, but it leaves a critical question unanswered: What exactly did they do well? Now, compare that to, “You did a great job organizing your books and putting your clothes away in the drawer.” The difference is profound. This second example is descriptive praise, a parenting intervention that emphasizes specificity, clarity, and behavior-focused feedback.

This simple shift from vague to specific praise makes the feedback actionable, laying the groundwork for repeated behaviors.

Stay tuned for practical tips on using descriptive praise in everyday parenting and the neuroscience behind why it’s such a game-changer. When parents speak the language of specificity, they empower their children to thrive.