Why Praise Doesn't Work to Motivate Kids (And What to Do Instead)

You may have been told to praise your kids when they're "being good." So you tell them, "Good job" any time they make a good choice; you may use sticker charts and other forms of praise. What if that well-meaning praise is quietly working against the very confidence and motivation you're trying to build? In this episode, we're digging into what the research actually says about generic praise and why the small shift from praise to encouragement changes everything for your child's brain, resilience, and long-term motivation. In this episode you'll learn: Why "good job" isn't actually helping your child (and what's happening in their brain instead) The 3 types of praise — and which ones build a growth mindset vs. a fixed one Carol Dweck's research on person praise and why calling your kid "smart" can backfire The strength-based encouragement formula that combines the best of both worlds The Sportscaster Method — the easiest way to encourage without empty praise How to flip from "I'm so proud of you" to something that actually builds self-worth Practical phrases to use in the moment (even when your brain goes blank) Resources mentioned in this episode: Free Strengths Toolkit — Discover your child's core character strengths so you can encourage them intentionally in the moment. 👉https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/d5l5j6  Read the full blog post — includes the strength-based encouragement infographic, printable phrase guides, and deeper research breakdowns. 👉 raisingkidswithpurpose.com/strength-based-encouragement Mentioned in this episode: EP 9: The Lie We've Been Told About Consequences — if this episode resonated, go back and listen to Episode 9 where we unpack another big myth about what actually motivates kids: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/9-the-lie-weve-been-told-about-consequences-and-rewards/id1879606964?i=1000760441242  Books referenced: Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck - https://amzn.to/4odKb8O The Strength Switch by Dr. Lea Waters - https://amzn.to/4ukPh4v The Gift of Failure by Jessica Lahey - https://amzn.to/4udwxUk *The links above are affiliate links. If you purchase through my links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend books I've personally read and love! Work with Adriane: If you're ready to go deeper, not just with how you talk to your kids, but how you show up regulated, connected, and intentional, the P.U.R.P.O.S.E. Parent Transformation Program is where we do that work together: www.raisingkidswithpurpose.com