Ezra Taft Benson: 'Praise your children more than you correct them. Praise them for even their smallest achievement.'

Praise your children more than you correct them. Praise them for even their smallest achievement.

In a world where correction and criticism often outweigh praise and encouragement, Ezra Taft Benson's quote holds significant importance. It highlights the need to prioritize praise over correction when it comes to raising and nurturing our children. The quote suggests that we should make a conscious effort to acknowledge and praise even the smallest achievements of our children. By doing so, we empower them, boost their self-esteem, and create a positive environment that fosters their overall growth and development.The power of praise cannot be underestimated, as it plays a crucial role in shaping a child's self-perception and confidence. When we acknowledge their achievements, regardless of how small they may seem, we demonstrate to them that their efforts are valued and appreciated. This positive reinforcement encourages them to continue striving for success and fuels their motivation to overcome challenges.Moreover, Benson's statement hints at an imbalance in our approach to parenting and education. Oftentimes, we tend to focus more on correcting our children's mistakes rather than recognizing their accomplishments. This tendency stems from the belief that pointing out their errors will help them learn and grow. While constructive criticism has its place in facilitating growth, an excessive emphasis on correction can lead to demoralization, discouragement, and even resentment in children.Here, I would like to introduce an unexpected philosophical concept to shed light on the importance of praise and its impact on a child's psyche. The theory of "positive reinforcement" by B.F. Skinner aligns well with Benson's quote. According to Skinner, positive reinforcement involves rewarding desired behavior, which in turn strengthens the likelihood of its recurrence. By applying this approach to raising children, we can understand the significance of praising their smallest achievements.When we praise children for their accomplishments, no matter how insignificant they might appear, we trigger a neurological response in their brains. The release of dopamine, a chemical associated with pleasure and reward, reinforces the behavior that led to the praise. This process helps solidify positive habits, encourages learning, and aids in the development of a growth mindset.On the other hand, excessive criticism and a lack of praise can activate the brain's stress response, triggering the release of cortisol, a hormone associated with anxiety and a threat response. This not only inhibits the learning process but can also hinder a child's emotional well-being and hinder their overall development.By drawing parallels between Benson's quote and Skinner's theory of positive reinforcement, we gain a deeper understanding of the profound impact that praise has on our children. Praising their smallest achievements not only fosters a positive environment but also ignites a chain reaction of motivation, self-belief, and continued growth.To truly embrace Benson's philosophy, one must cultivate an attitude of mindfulness and attentiveness to the accomplishments, no matter how minor or mundane they may appear. It requires taking the time to notice and acknowledge their efforts, whether it be completing a puzzle, tying their shoelaces, or even expressing kindness towards others. Every milestone, no matter how small, represents a step forward in their journey of self-discovery and personal growth.In conclusion, Ezra Taft Benson's insightful quote reminds us of the need to prioritize praise over correction when it comes to raising our children. By consistently acknowledging and praising their smallest achievements, we create an environment that fosters their overall growth and development. Through the unexpected philosophical lens of positive reinforcement, we uncover the powerful neurological effects of praise and its ability to shape positive habits and self-perception in our children. Let us embrace this philosophy and celebrate even the tiniest victories, as they lay the foundation for a lifetime of success and well-being.