Praise Loudly, Correct Quietly

This is another mantra for parents and grandparents.  When giving children positive feedback, do it in front of others.  Let them bask in the joy of being positively recognized.  Ken's parents made a regular habit of this at the dinner table.  His dad would say, "Sister So and So came into the post office today and told me she had seen Kenny helping . . . . "  So Kenny and all of his siblings heard the praise.  It worked wonders.

But when a child needs correction, take them aside.  Do it quietly and privately.  That reduces the embarrassment.  We've all seen parents humiliate their children in front of others.  It's unpleasant for everyone.  A child will never forget that you quietly helped mold and shape them, rather than embarrassing them and the result will probably be that they want to please you.

So there's another idea for a mantra.  For others, click here.