“Encouragement is more important than any other aspect of child-raising. It is so important that the lack of it can be considered the basic cause for misbehavior. A misbehaving child IS a discouraged child.”

Rudolf Dreikurs, MD

This week we explored:

• The connection between misbehavior and discouragement
• The difference between praise and encouragement
• Methods of Encouragement
• Sending Encouraging Messages

Switching from Praise to Encouragement can be tricky. They don’t call it the Art of Encouragement for nothing. So go slow this week. Allow yourself to feel a little awkward at times as you make the shift from a completely useless parenting strategy to one of the most effective and powerful relationship strategies available to parents today.

Oh and did I mention, that it is my experience that at least 70% of the misbehavior you currently deal with, will be alleviated when you foster an encouraging home environment. Just thought I would remind you.

This weeks question:

How will I use Encouragement with my children each and every day to inspire self confidence, responsibility, cooperation and independence?