Tip 4

Praise That Empowers: Focus on Effort

Praising children’s intelligence harms their motivation and it harms their performance. Instead, as we’ll see, praising children’s effort or strategy increases their engagement and their persistence.

Stop telling your kid they’re a genius. Instead, say, “Wow, you really stuck with that puzzle!” It’s like complimenting someone’s killer dance moves instead of just their outfit.

Focus on the hustle, the sweat, the 3 a.m. caffeine-fueled determination. Celebrate the grind, not just the glam.