Children Quote by Peter H. Johnston
““In each case, the children who initially received the person-oriented praise, “You are a good drawer,” responded less positively. The slightly different, but more process-oriented “You did a good job drawing” produced more positive responses in the children. The difference was particularly marked in the question regarding whether they felt happy or sad.””
About This Quote
Source Journal Article: Effects of Praise on Child Motivation, 2021
Children respond better to feedback that focuses on effort rather than innate ability, leading to higher happiness and motivation.
In simple terms: Process praise works better than person praise.
Key Takeaway
Use effort‑focused feedback to boost confidence.
Themes
education
psychology
motivation
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
research
informative
When to use this quote
- classroom teaching
- parental guidance
- coaching
- sports training
Key Concepts
growth mindset
feedback theory
Questions to Reflect On
- What feedback style best supports long‑term resilience?
- How can we balance praise and constructive critique?
A Different Perspective
Some children may misinterpret effort praise as pressure.
