The path, not the result

True reinforcement comes from the effort and the path, not the result.

When we praise only the result (“What a beautiful drawing!”, “How smart you are”), the child learns that his value depends on achievement.

When we compliment him

“I liked that you persevered even when it didn’t turn out exactly the way you wanted.”

“I saw you tried to think for yourself before asking for help.”

This is how we raise a child who thinks, “I am capable of learning,”

Not a child who thinks “I have to succeed.”