The Power of Character: Shifting the Focus of Parental Praise

Toxic-Parenting Researcher Highlights the Importance of Acknowledging Character Traits

In a society that often places a premium on achievement and success, it is crucial for parents to carefully consider how they praise their children. According to Jennifer Breheny Wallace, a toxic-parenting researcher and author of “Never Enough: When Achievement Pressure Becomes Toxic — and What We Can Do About It,” the key lies in shifting the focus from highlighting achievements to acknowledging the specific character traits that contribute to their success. Wallace’s research, based on interviews with child psychologists and a survey of 6,500 parents, reveals the profound impact of recognizing and nurturing positive attributes in children. By doing so, parents can foster emotional well-being and pave the way for their children’s future success.

The Power of Acknowledging Strengths

Wallace’s research highlights the importance of noticing and acknowledging the strengths and positive attributes of children. Instead of solely praising external achievements, such as good grades on report cards, parents should focus on qualities like honesty, creativity, and resilience. By doing so, children are more likely to develop emotionally healthy ways of thinking and behaving. Richard Weissbourd, a child psychologist at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, emphasizes that individuals become stronger and more mature not through excessive praise, but by being truly known and appreciated for who they are.

Shaping Emotional Well-being

Wallace’s findings emphasize the significance of recognizing the inherent value in children, beyond their external achievements. By placing importance on character traits, parents can help their children cultivate a strong sense of self-worth and emotional well-being. When children feel seen and appreciated for their unique qualities, they are more likely to develop a positive self-image and a resilient mindset. This, in turn, equips them to navigate challenges and setbacks with confidence and perseverance.

The Role of Parental Influence

As parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s self-perception, it is crucial for them to be mindful of the messages they convey. By praising character traits, parents can instill values and beliefs that go beyond external validation. This approach encourages children to develop a growth mindset, where they prioritize personal growth and effort over fixed outcomes. By focusing on character, parents can foster a sense of intrinsic motivation and a lifelong love for learning.

Nurturing Success Beyond Achievement

Wallace’s research underscores the importance of nurturing success beyond traditional measures of achievement. By shifting the focus to character traits, parents can help their children develop a well-rounded set of skills and attributes that will serve them throughout their lives. By recognizing qualities such as empathy, perseverance, and adaptability, parents can empower their children to navigate the complexities of the modern world and thrive in various domains.

Conclusion:

In a society that often places excessive emphasis on external achievements, Jennifer Breheny Wallace’s research sheds light on the power of acknowledging and nurturing character traits in children. By focusing on qualities like honesty, creativity, and resilience, parents can foster emotional well-being, self-worth, and a growth mindset in their children. Through this shift in praise and recognition, parents have the opportunity to shape their children’s future success and equip them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of life. By valuing character over achievement, parents can lay the foundation for their children to become confident, resilient, and fulfilled individuals.


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