Sass and Sippy Cups

Praise and Compliments: Appreciating the Whole Child Everyone loves a good compliment.   Even if you’re one of those I-don’t-give-a-shit-what-anyone-thinks type of people, it feels good to hear that someone appreciates you.   But think about this: Do you like being complimented only on one aspect of yourself (looks, smarts, work ethic, etc.)?  Of course not. We are more than just our physical appearance, intelligence, or talents. The same goes for kids.   Kids love being praised for what they do, but adults often only verbally recognize a few positive attributes.   As a child, I was the stereotypical nerd.   I always got good grades and was an early reader. I was a scrawny, awkward little thing with old lady glasses that took up half my face. I very rarely received praise for anything other than my intelligence. So as I got older and school became more challenging, I started to question my self-image.   As if being a preteen and...