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EssentialsFeelings12–23 months · 2 years · 36–47 months · 48–59 monthsAbout 1 min

Encourage effort with specific words

Describe an action rather than giving your child a label.

“You tried again” says more than “You are the best.” Notice a strategy, a request for help or a kind gesture. You do not have to comment on every movement or reward every attempt. Quiet attention also matters.

You can try

  1. Observe a specific action before speaking.
  2. Say what you saw: “You turned the piece and now it fits.”
  3. If it does not work, offer company or a break before another attempt.
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