What is the difference between praise and reward in child development?

What is the difference between praise and reward in child development?

Praise is verbal acknowledgment of a child's effort or achievement, while a reward is a tangible item or privilege given for a specific behavior.

Which one is more effective for encouraging good behavior?

It depends on the child and the context. Praise can foster intrinsic motivation, while rewards can be effective for immediate compliance.

Can too much praise be harmful?

Yes, excessive praise can lead to a fixed mindset, where children may fear failure or become reliant on external validation.

What are some examples of effective praise?

Effective praise focuses on effort and specific behaviors, like saying, 'I really admire how hard you worked on that project!'

How can I balance praise and rewards?

Balancing both involves using praise to build confidence and intrinsic motivation, while using rewards sparingly for specific behaviors.