Piano Guidance
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What 3 things make up effective praise?

There are Three Key Steps to Effective Praise: Give a smile or a thumbs-up, or use words of affirmation. Describe the positive behavior you saw. Make your comments brief and specific, telling your child exactly what he or she did that was praiseworthy.

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​Praise is one of the most powerful tools parents can use to teach their children positive skills. Taking away privileges and giving Time-Outs can be effective when correcting misbehavior; however, recognizing and praising improved and good behavior helps to reinforce that behavior and reduces problem behaviors.

Practicing Effective Praise

Praise works best when it is given effectively and you remember to use it consistently and frequently.

Look for the good things your child does, even the small things.

Remember to praise the things your child already does well, improvements in his or behavior and positive attempts at using new skills.

There are Three Key Steps to Effective Praise:

Show your approval. Use words or actions to show your child you appreciate what he or she just did. Give a smile or a thumbs-up, or use words of affirmation. Describe the positive behavior you saw. Make your comments brief and specific, telling your child exactly what he or she did that was praiseworthy. For example, say “I really liked how you shared your toys with your cousins." Describe how using the good behavior will help your child and how it is appreciated by others. Benefits can range from letting your child play outside longer because he or she has earned your trust to having your child make a friend feel more welcome in a social situation.

Tips for Using Effective Praise

Give the praise immediately or shortly after you notice the behavior.

Verbal attention is beneficial, but physical attention is better . Give your child a hug or pat on the back to show how proud you are. . Give your child a hug or pat on the back to show how proud you are. Occasionally use tangible rewards. These can include bike rides with Mom or an ice cream treat with Dad. These can include bike rides with Mom or an ice cream treat with Dad. Apply the “4-to-1" rule. That means that for every negative behavior you notice and correct, find four positive behaviors or reasons to praise. This is a good way to remember to look for positive behaviors.

Help! There's a Toddler in the House! by Thomas M. Reimers, Ph.D.

I Brake For Meltdowns: How To Handle The Most Exasperating Behavior Of Your 2- To 5-Year-Old by Michelle Nicholasen and Barbara O'Neal Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: The Clinically Proven Five-Week Program for Parents of Two- to Six-Year-Olds by Rex Forehand and Nicholas Long

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What is the best prayer to God?

Father in heaven, I stand before You today in Your omnipotent presence to ask that You grant me strength. I want You to give me the strength to power through all of the tasks today — whether little or big. It is by Your will that I live oh Lord. And I know it is also by Your will I will not go weak today.

Although people of faith might not want to admit it, most can probably remember a time when reciting a daily prayer or two was not exactly a part of their everyday routine. For many, daily prayer is something they turn to when life becomes stressful, difficult, or saddening. It can be easy to forget about the habit when life becomes busy or when everything is going well. But having a daily habit of healing through prayer is a great way to stay grounded in your faith on a day-to-day basis and prioritize reflective time between you and God. Reading a prayer for today will not only help you feel closer to God, but can also relieve daily stress and anxiety. But if it's been a while since you read Bible scripture, finding a place to start can feel overwhelming. That's why it's helpful to have some short go-to Bible verses and prayers that can provide guidance and strength through every season of your life, whether you pray every day, week, month, or barely at all. The most important thing to remember, though, is that no matter how often you pray, God is always ready to listen. Find more strength, peace and hope every day with WD's Everyday Inspiration Bible verse cards — a portable box of inspo that will keep the encouragement you need close at hand.

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