En español
NIDA
Home » Family Checkup » Question 2: Encouragement

Question 2: Encouragement

Revised October 2012

Do you encourage positive behavior habits in your teenager on a daily basis?

Encouragement is key to building confidence and a strong sense of self. Consistent encouragement helps youth feel good about themselves and gives them confidence to: try new activities, develop new friendships, explore their creativity, and tackle difficult tasks. It also helps parents promote cooperation and reduce conflict.

Underachievement in school and daily encouragement

  • Negative Example: Dad reacts to failure
  • Positive Example: Dad builds on success

 

Encouragement promotes a strong sense of self because it sends three main messages to your child:

Examples of Encouraging Words

  • "I know that wasn’t easy."
  • "You did such an awesome job."
  • "Keep on trying."
  • "You are very good at that."
  • "You are learning a lot."
  • "I like the way you did that."
  • "I can tell you’ve been practicing."
  • "It’s great to see you working so hard."
  • "I’m so proud of you."

You can do it! Youth believe they can do things if parents

  • Help them break a problem down into smaller parts
  • Remind them of their strengths and past successes
  • Encourage them by sharing how they have dealt with challenges

You have good ideas! Youth believe they have good ideas if parents

  • Ask them to share their opinions and feelings
  • Listen to what they have to say
  • Ask them for input concerning family plans and events
  • Ask them for ideas to solve family problems

You are important! Youth know they are important if parents

  • Remember what they have told you
  • Make time for them each day
  • Attend school functions and extracurricular activities
  • Let them know that you are thinking about them when you can’t be with them
  • Display things they have made and recognitions they receive from school or the community

Practices that are Discouraging

  • Being sarcastic or negative about your child’s ability to be successful
  • Comparing a child to brothers and sisters
  • Taking over when a child’s progress is slow
  • Reminding your child of past failures

Practice Skills

Video: Praise for Positive Behavior

 

When giving praise for cooperation:

  • Make it simple: “Thank you”
  • Do it right away
  • Be specific about what you like
  • Never miss an opportunity to encourage behavior or acts you would like to see repeated!

Video: Reviewing Behavior Change Plans

 

When reviewing behavior change plans:

  • Check each step of the plan
  • Praise positive behaviors
  • Give incentives immediately
  • Remember to review the plan with your child every day!

Download the PDF

This page was last updated October 2012