expecting exceptionalism

Usually parenting guides don’t print retractions. And this is not exactly a retraction, but I am revising some thoughts about praise. I certainly have spouted about it being a very good thing and I still mainly agree with that idea. I have been thinking about scaling back on praise though for a little while when a recent article in the New York Times helped me to define my evolving thoughts.

First, let me use this “mind changing” as an example of something that’s ok to do as a person or as a parent. There are plenty of times when we’d like more than anything just to be consistent, but realize that it’s necessary for us to change our minds or plans. An explanation of this change can go a long way toward helping kids understand the need for it. It’s not a bad thing to change your mind. Everyone does it. So with that justification, let us proceed.

In his article The Opiate of Exceptionalism, Scott Shane discusses the inherent positivity that we, as a society, have come to expect from our elected officials. If candidates criticize our society or negate the “belief” that we are indeed the greatest country in the world, they would only be hurting themselves politically. Or worse, they may be labeled by their counterparts as un-American if they do not have a relatively rosy outlook on the future of our country. We expect praise from our elected officials. Small businesses, factories, emerging technologies, entrepreneurs and teachers are all routinely lauded as groups to inspire and emulate. We’ve come to expect candidates to agree on certain points: that we are a chosen people, in a chosen country that deserves the praise, awe and admiration of our leaders and the world. And we have come to expect praise. In fact, we are entitled to it. So, what does this have to do with parenting?

When I speak highly of praise to other adults (ha! praising praise), this is the most common criticism that I hear. “I don’t want to praise my kid for things that they should just be expected to do.” OR “I don’t want them to come to expect praise every time they listen or tie their shoes.” Parents don’t want praise to be a crutch. They don’t want to send their children off into the real world of school or daycare where they might not be praised as much and therefore draw the conclusion that they are somehow deficient. How do we use praise well so as not to create kids who think that it is their right to be praised for everyday accomplishments?

1. We should probably admit to ourselves that most of what our kids do is pretty ordinary stuff. They might be extraordinary in our esteem, but clearing their breakfast dishes (a chore that they’ve been doing for years now) is not what makes them so. Loving them for who they are is different than praising them for the things that they do.
2. Use praise specifically to reinforce behaviors that you would like to see more of. If your kids have been having trouble not bossing each other and you hear them using polite words with one another, then you might want to figure out a way to show them how much you like hearing that. But try not to praise everything that they do, especially if they’re already good at it. If people in your life kept telling you (an adult) how good you were at using a fork, eventually you would begin to think that you had an exceptional talent for forkery. Noting an ordinary thing and generally calling it extraordinary is most likely creating a false sense of the world for kids.
3. Mix up the types of praise you use. And think about what and how you’re praising before you do. Praise characteristics in kids like problem-solving, helpfulness and patience. Reinforce kids praising themselves since you won’t always be around to voice their “good deeds.” Leave them a little treat or a note to show them that you noticed how conscientious they were while helping their younger sibling cross the street. Choose your words and your deeds wisely.

Praising with care instead of reckless abandon is what I’m advocating. We don’t want to get to the point where we have to applaud most of what our children do in order for them to feel whole. Then you might find yourself narrating their bedtime routine with exclamation points galore. Fabulous teeth brushing! Wonderful way of getting on your jammies! Superb story listening! You drank that milk so nice and neat! You climbed into your bed so well! With italics like these, it’s no wonder we think that we deserve the praise that we hear during election seasons.

They’re so right: We are exceptional!

Author Description

katie

Katie Robinson began her foray into behavior management long before she knew what it was called. Growing up with a younger brother with special behavioral and emotional needs was her first taste of the hard work that it takes to be successful at managing behaviors. A career that spans teaching middle school special needs students and social work, Katie's diverse experiences have led her to her newest venture: BW Kids Consulting. BW Kids Consulting affords Katie a ‘Supernanny’ style adventure of working with parents to help them help their kids to be their best selves. Check out her blog, Kid Whisperer!