The Power of Praise: How the Right Words Can Boost Confidence and Motivation

Children with ADHD often hear more corrections than compliments. Over time, this can impact their confidence, motivation, and willingness to try. But when praise is specific and genuine, it becomes a powerful tool for building resilience and self-belief.

☑️ Be specific: Instead of “Good job,” say, “I love how you sat down straight away and got started on your homework.” This helps your child know exactly what they did well.

☑️ Notice the effort: Celebrate persistence, not just results. “You kept trying even though that puzzle was tricky—well done!”

☑️ Catch the small wins: Remember, for a child with ADHD, small steps—like remembering their lunchbox or raising their hand once in class—are big victories.

☑️ Balance correction with encouragement: If you need to give feedback, try sandwiching it with praise: start with something positive, share what needs adjusting, and end with encouragement.

Why it works:

Praise fuels motivation by helping children feel seen and valued for their efforts—not just their outcomes. When kids feel capable, they’re more likely to keep trying, even when challenges come their way.