I often try to throw out a compliment to try and elicit the behavior I seek. I may say something like, “Abby, you are always so good at sharing. Could you let your friend try that toy now?” Another example is, “Kenzie, you’re such a tough kid. Show everyone how brave you are.” The behavior often follows when I set them up in this way because they can take ownership over the trait and really begin to believe it about themselves. If someone tells you over and over again that you are really good at something, don’t you begin to believe it? You begin to live it. I see that the same thing happens in behavior. I find that the more positive attention you can bring to the positive qualities you are seeking, the more you will see those qualities exhibited in your child.
