HealthyPlace.com Parenting Community

Child Development
Institute

Guidelines For
Good Communication
With Children

Children thrive on positive attention. Children need to feel loved and appreciated. Most parents find that it is easier to provide negative feedback rather than positive feedback. By selecting and using some of the phrases below on a daily basis with your child, you will find that he will start paying more attention to you and will try harder to please. Recent research shows that ADHD children may need more praise than the average child. Unfortunately, because of their behavior they often receive less.

Yes Good Fine Very good Very fine Excellent Marvelous

At-a-boy Right That’s right Correct Wonderful

I like the way you do that I’m pleased with (proud of ) you

That’s good Wow Oh boy Very nice Good work Great going

Good for you That’s the way Much better O.K.

You’re doing better That’s perfect Good idea What a cleaver idea

That’s it Good job Great job controlling yourself

I like the way you ______ I noticed that you ____ Keep it up

I had fun ______ with you You are improving at ______ more and more

You showed a lot of responsibility when you ______ Way to go

I appreciate the way you ______ You are great at that You're the best

Good remembering That’s beautiful I like your______

I like the way you ______ with out having to be asked (reminded)

I’m sure glad you are my son/daughter Now you’ve got it

I love you

You can SHOW them how you feel as well as tell them.

Smile Nod Part on shoulder, head, knee Wink

Signal or gesture to signify approval High five Touch cheek

Tickle Laugh (with, not at) Pat on the back Hug

For more information on how to improve your communication with children we recommend the following materials which are available in the CDI Store: Building Your Child's Self-Esteem, Kid Cooperation and When Anger Hurts. For more information on parenting go to [Improving Your Child's Behavior and Self-Esteem]

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