Parenting sure can be tough, right?

Every child is unique, with their own likes and not-so-likes. And sometimes, it feels like a juggling act, trying to figure it all out.

But here’s the thing: our words have power.

If we want our kids to be kind, responsible people when they grow up, we need to praise them for the right things. This can make a huge difference in their life.

Does that pique your interest? Well, folks, prepare yourself for some useful parenting advice!

Here are 12 things you should start praising your kids for if you want them to grow up to be respectful and responsible. These tips won’t just brighten up your home life; they’ll also help your kids master important life skills.

So come on, let’s dive in and explore these tips together.

Who knows? You might find something that changes your parenting game forever!

1) Honesty

Honesty is the best policy – we’ve all heard that one, right? But it’s not just a saying; it’s a cornerstone of good character. When your child tells the truth, even when it’s hard, make sure to praise them for it.

This will encourage them to continue being honest. Honesty is a value that plays a significant role in building trust and respect in all relationships they’ll develop throughout their life.

So next time your kid comes up with an uncomfortable truth, smile, thank them for their honesty, and let them know how much you appreciate it. They might just surprise you with how honest they can be!

2) Kindness

There’s nothing more heartwarming than witnessing a small act of kindness from your child.

Maybe they shared their favorite toy with a friend, helped a sibling with their homework, or were gentle with a family pet. Whenever you see these moments of kindness, be sure to praise them.

Let them know how proud you are and how important their kind actions are. This will not only boost their confidence but also encourage them to continue spreading kindness wherever they go.

3) Patience

Patience is a virtue, and it’s one that I’ve personally seen the power of with my own kids.

Just last week, my youngest was struggling to tie his shoelaces – a skill his older sister picked up quickly. Instead of getting frustrated or giving up, he took a deep breath, and tried again…and again. When he finally did it, the pride on his face was priceless!

I made sure to praise him right then and there, telling him how impressed I was with his patience and persistence. This not only made him glow with pride but also reassured him that it’s okay to take time to learn new things.

If your child shows patience, whether it’s waiting their turn or persistently working on a new skill, let them know you’ve noticed and you’re proud. This can help them understand the value of patience in overcoming life’s challenges.

4) Responsibility

Teaching responsibility can be a bit tricky, but it’s an invaluable trait for your child to develop.

When they do their chores without being asked, or perhaps they remember to feed the family pet or water the plants, make sure to praise them for it.

Here’s a fun fact: According to a study from the University of Minnesota, kids who have chores have higher self-esteem, are more responsible, and are better able to deal with frustration and delay gratification.

These all contribute to greater success in school! So next time your child takes the initiative and shows responsibility, give them a high-five! Not only are you reinforcing good behavior, but you’re also setting them up for success in the long run.

5) Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it’s a quality that can truly make the world a better place.

When your child shows empathy, it’s a moment that can tug at your heartstrings. Maybe they comfort a friend who’s upset, or perhaps they’re worried about a family member who’s unwell.

When these moments happen, praise them for their empathy. Let them know that their ability to feel for others is a beautiful thing. Tell them how their kind heart makes you proud and will help them build strong, caring relationships throughout their life.

6) Self-control

Self-control is another vital characteristic that can shape a child’s future. I’ll never forget the time when my daughter, aged seven at the time, lost her favorite toy.

She was understandably upset, but instead of throwing a tantrum, she took a few deep breaths, wiped her tears away and said, “It’s okay, maybe someone else found it and needed it more than me.”

In that moment, I couldn’t help but praise her for her self-control. I told her how amazed I was at her ability to manage her emotions in such a mature way. This not only made her feel good about herself but also reinforced the importance of self-control in tough situations.

7) Taking risks

Life’s not always safe and predictable. Sometimes, it’s about taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones. And this is something we need to teach our kids too.

Let’s be real, as parents, we often feel the urge to wrap our kids in bubble wrap to protect them. But the truth is, when our child decides to go down the big slide for the first time or raises their hand to answer a question in class even though they’re not sure it’s right, they’re showing bravery.

When your kid takes a risk, no matter how it turns out, give them a pat on the back. Let them know it’s okay if things don’t always go as planned. What matters more is that they had the courage to try. After all, that’s how we learn and grow!

8) Problem-solving

Problem-solving is an essential skill that helps kids become independent and resilient. Maybe your child figured out how to fix a broken toy or came up with a solution to a squabble with a sibling. Whenever they tackle a problem head-on, make sure to praise their initiative and resourcefulness.

Did you know that according to research from the University of Chicago, kids who are good problem solvers are more likely to perform well in school and less likely to get frustrated easily? They’re also better at managing their time and setting goals.

9) Perseverance

Perseverance is a quality that I hold dear, especially when I see it in my own son. I remember when he first attempted to ride a bike without training wheels.

There were countless falls, scrapes, and tears. It was tough, but he didn’t let any of that stop him. Day after day, he’d get back on that bike until he finally did it – he was riding all by himself.

When that moment came, I made sure to let him know how proud I was of his perseverance. His determination not to give up, despite the challenges, was something truly admirable.

10) Respect

The golden rule is simple: treat others how you want to be treated. When your child shows respect, whether it’s listening when someone else is talking or saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, don’t let it go unnoticed.

Truth be told, in today’s world, respect is a commodity that seems to be in short supply. So when your kid displays it, make sure to tell them how important and appreciated their respectful behavior is.

11) Creativity

Let’s face it, we often get so caught up in rules and schedules that we forget the importance of creativity.

If your child paints a picture, invents a new game, or comes up with a unique solution to a problem, make sure to praise their creativity. Celebrate their imagination!

It’s a fantastic trait that helps them see the world in vibrant colors rather than just black and white.

12) Independence

As parents, it’s tough watching our kids grow up and not need us as much. But let’s be brutally honest here – our job isn’t to keep them dependent on us, it’s to prepare them to stand on their own two feet.

When your child does something on their own, even if it’s as simple as tying their own shoes or making their bed, praise them for their independence.

It’s these small steps that pave the way for the confident and self-reliant adults they’ll become.