Hey moms and dads. I see very polarizing articles each and every week about whether or not praise my child. What are your personal thoughts? Is it good? Is it bad?

It depends on how praise is done. Sharing here the guidelines on praising that was shared to me by a friend who attended a Positive Parenting seminar: 1. Be sincere and specific with your praise 2. Praise kids only for traits they have the power to change 3. Use descriptive praise that conveys realistic and attainable standards 4. Be careful about praising kids for achievements that come easily 5. Be careful about praising kids for doing what they already love to do 6. Encourage kids to focus on mastering skills - not on comparing themselves to others

I read in a parenting book that it's good to praise effort over results (eg. saying "Wow you worked really hard on that" instead of "You're so smart") so they don't get used to hearing superlatives all the time and pit themselves against that standard.