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and it was going to take a lot more than words from another coach to encourage him to keep on trying. This is where I stepped in, and so did his Dad. We told him that we were very proud of him, and we highlighted all the positive things he did on that mat. Then, my husband reminded him what the other coach had said. Now, his eyes brightened up a bit. Still a bit discouraged and disappointed, he saw that we were very sincere in what we said to him. He looked at my husband and asked him if he would please practice with him at home more because the next time, he wanted to do better. AH! Finally, the encouragement we gave him was paying off, and now he found the light at the end of the tunnel.

Had we not told him just how proud we were of him, my son would have remained completely discouraged. The simple act of encouraging him at a time when he was really discouraged made the difference between him wanting to quit, and wanting to try harder.

Encouraging a child can bring out the very best in them. A child who is encouraged to try new things, and continue to work at things they have not quite mastered gives them confidence in themselves to keep trying until they do succeed. Sometimes, it takes showing the child step by step what needs to be done, other times, it takes words of encouragement. No matter what the situation is, to encourage a child, you have to focus on the positive things.

When we encourage our children, especially at times when they feel the most discouraged, we are showing them that we are proud of them for simply trying, and that if they do not give up, their goals are always within reach. In essence, we are helping to set a positive pattern for the rest of their lives.

Learn more about this author, Lynne Griffith.
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