Although I do it in moderation, I believe kids should be praised for doing good. (I've already voiced my feelings on praising every little thing they do - after awhile it jsut doesn't mean anything.) Kids needs to know you appreciate the good things they do. As kids master a good behavior, you can choose to communicate your appreciation with even just a simple thumbs up or a smile and a wink. Just don't take their good behavior for granted - especially when it's a new one they are learning.

This is incredibly important. And I have to agree with NOT praising your child excessively for every little thing they do. I have a girlfriend with a 5 year old daughter. Every time the girl does something, the mother starts trumpeting "Oh, what a smart girl!!! Oh, what a perfect princess!! You made such a super duper picture! WOW!" It nauseates me and completely makes the girl think she is the best thing ever created. Which is not true.

Aside from praising, affirmation is something that you must not miss. For everything that a kid does that is good, affirm that is doing the right thing and affirm the good result was caused by him/her. It really helps improve children's behavior.

See, I will have to differ here. My oldest son thrives off praise. I don't know if you have read the "Five Love Languages," but my son's love language is words of affimation. He is constantly praising others (Mommy, you are so pretty. Dad, you are a great dad, etc).

On the flip side, my youngest son likes the praise, but it's not as valuable to him. He appreciates the "atta boy" every now and then like you mentioned.

I guess what I'm saying is that every child is different. Some kids need the constant praise (when praise is deserved - I don't tell my son he drew a great picture if it's not great. I will say, you worked hard, I'm proud of you.)

I agree with kelkat, and to me, praise and affirmation are often way overused. Trust me - my son has heard tons of good stuff, I'm not saying to use it spartingly, but it should only be used when it's really earned and/or approriate. I've watched my friends overpraise and false praise their kids right into "bad relationships" with them.

Yes, these things certainly are very important. I always gave praise where due and I never forgot to do the positive comments with my daughter. I think it worked 'cause she's a great kid!

I also try to correct in a positive manner and stress that though the action was not good, he's still good.

Positive, positive, positive. I can't tell you how important this is for a child.