"Praise and intelligence: The argument for process-based praise."

If we tell kids they’re smart and capable, won’t that inspire them to strive and learn? Studies suggest otherwise. If kids sense that we’re exaggerating or insincere, our efforts will backfire. And if we make them feel they have a reputation to defend, they may end up shrinking from challenges — holding back because they don’t want to risk failure and the loss of that reputation.

Can we avoid these pitfalls by focusing on “process-based” praise? It’s likely the better approach, but even here we need to be sensitive to the context and the developmental status of our children: As kids get older, they become more savvy to praise that’s designed to boost their egos or manipulate. Here is an overview of the research on praise and intelligence.

A cross-cultural wariness towards the use of praise

In cultures around the world, people have tended to take a cautious view of praising children for their talents and abilities. It seems that just about everybody – from hunter-gatherers, to agriculturalists, to folks living in industrial societies – have had the same idea: If we pump up individuals with praise, they might become conceited, entitled, bossy, or narcissistic (Lancy 2022).

MORE Info at:
https://parentingscience.com/praise-and-intelligence/

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