THE FUSE

Some parents and even teachers today struggle with when and what to praise. They believe that children should do what they are told or asked to do simply because it is expected of them. Others are reluctant to praise behaviors that fall short of the end behavior they expect. Many parents think of praise as something that comes after an achievement. They worry that praise of this sort will create dependence, reduce motivation, or make their child expect recognition for every task they engage in, much less accomplish. Some parents wonder, as their child ages, whether they will aspire to anything that is remotely effortful.