As our tiny peers grow up and achieve more, they are met with “good job!” and “nice work!”. While these are not inherently bad, we wanted to break down the importance of providing a richer response.

It can be difficult for our tiny peers to know why they are being congratulated since they are growing and maturing so much! With constant “good jobs,” it can become easy for them to seek out a task just to be rewarded with that phrase. When we stop to verbalize what has happened, our tiny peers can embrace their effort and feel confidence in their work. While saying “good job” can feel quick and efficient, here are some examples to use instead:

• When a child has finished a painting:
• Instead of “good job,” try: Wow! I see you used so much green, why did you choose to make the clouds green? This allows your tiny peer to have a moment to reflect on their work and perhaps shed more light on their creative process. 
• When a child puts away their shoes:
• Instead of “good job.” try: Thank you! I appreciate it when you help keep the house clean, too. This allows your tiny peer to feel both included and empowered within your family ecosystem.