When it comes to parenting tools, appreciation is one of the most powerful—and one that parents can’t afford to ignore. Appreciation is a simple and effective way to create a loving and supportive environment for children, and can have long-lasting effects on their development and growth.
Why Appreciation is Important
As parents, we all want to raise our children in a positive, healthy environment. To do this, we need to provide them with plenty of support and love. Appreciation is an essential part of parenting that can have a major impact on how children grow up feeling about themselves and the world around them.
Appreciation is much more than just saying “thank you” or telling your child they did a good job. It’s about recognizing their efforts and achievements, and showing them that you are proud of them. Appreciation can take many forms, such as praising their effort, giving compliments, and acknowledging their accomplishments.
When appreciation is given regularly and sincerely, it can have many beneficial effects. Studies have shown that children who are appreciated feel valued and have a greater sense of self-worth. They also tend to have higher levels of self-confidence and be more motivated to achieve their goals. Furthermore, parental appreciation can lead to improved relationships between parents and children, as well as increased levels of trust and respect. A fun fact: Research shows that parental appreciation can improve children’s academic performance by up to 12%, making it an invaluable parenting support tool.
What Happens When We Don’t Appreciate Our Kids
When we don’t appreciate our kids, it can have a negative impact on their mental health. Children and teens who lack appreciation from their parents tend to experience more depression and anxiety, often due to feeling neglected or unimportant. This lack of appreciation can also lead to behavioral issues, as children may act out in an attempt to receive attention from their parents. Withdrawal is also a common result of not being appreciated by parents, as children may choose to distance themselves in order to avoid negative feelings.
It is important to keep in mind that appreciation should come with boundaries, but that doesn’t mean it should be absent. Offering words of appreciation and praise, along with clear expectations and rules, is a great way to show your child that you care about them and are there for them. When children feel appreciated and respected, they feel more secure in their family relationships and better prepared to handle life’s challenges.
For parents who may struggle to show their appreciation, there are many resources available to offer support. Seeking out parenting support from counselors, psychologists, or support groups can provide helpful guidance on how to properly express appreciation and maintain healthy parent-child relationships.
How to Use Appreciation as a Parenting Tool
Parenting can be a challenging job, but it’s one that can be made
easier with the right support. One of the best tools for parents is
appreciation. By showing your kids that you appreciate and value them, you create a safe space for them to grow and develop. Here are some ways to use appreciation as a parenting tool:
1. Show gratitude for the small things. It can be easy to forget to express gratitude for the little things that our kids do. But those small acts of kindness or helpfulness should be acknowledged. Try making it a habit to thank your kids each day for something they did that you appreciate.
2. Make time for meaningful conversations. It’s important to have regular conversations with our children, where we talk about their feelings, interests, and challenges. Showing them that you’re interested in what they have to say helps foster trust and connection.
3. Celebrate successes. Even small victories should be celebrated with praise and recognition. Letting your kids know that you believe in their abilities will help build their confidence.
4. Offer positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement helps reinforce good behavior and encourages kids to continue making good choices. Instead of focusing on punishment, focus on rewarding good behavior with compliments or other forms of recognition.
By using appreciation as a parenting tool, you can create an environment of safety and support in your home. This can help foster strong relationships between parents and children, which are essential for a healthy family life.
The Bottom Line
Appreciation is a powerful parenting tool that can lead to increased happiness and connection for both parent and child. It is an effective way to show our kids that we value them and acknowledge the efforts they make. Although it takes some effort, it’s a worthwhile investment. As parents, we need to remind ourselves that we are not alone in this parenting journey. We have support from friends, family, and even online communities. With this support, we can use appreciation as a positive parenting tool that will strengthen our relationships with our children and cultivate a loving home environment.
Amanda Irtz is a real life mom who understand the struggle of being a mother in today’s world. She brings with her more than 20 years of experience in the public schools as both a teacher and school administrator. She has coached more than 5,000 families and their children/teens to feel more confident and to live a thriving life. Amanda Irtz believes that every parent deserves to thrive – and that holistic methods and tools shouldn’t be complicated and outdated. She brings confidence, fresh perspective, and expertise to your parenting journey. Get your complimentary phone call today. Click here to book your spot.
