As parents, we’ve all been there – our child comes to us beaming with pride, holding up a test with a big fat A scrawled across the top. It’s a moment of pure joy, and as parents, it’s our job to respond in a way that nurtures their confidence and encourages them to continue striving for excellence. But what do we say in that moment?

responders and praise-givers, we sometimes struggle to find the right words to express our pride and enthusiasm. But fear not, dear parents, for we’ve got you covered! Here are some strategies for handling conversations effectively, along with some example sentences to help you find the right words to say:

Acknowledge Their Hard Work

When your child achieves something remarkable, it’s essential to acknowledge the effort they put into achieving that success. By doing so, you reinforce the idea that their hard work and dedication led to their success.

I’m so proud of you for putting in the extra effort to study for that test! It really paid off, didn’t it?

Your hard work and perseverance really made a difference in getting that A. I’m so proud of you!

I can tell you put a lot of thought into preparing for that test. It’s amazing to see your hard work pay off like this!

Show Genuine Interest

When your child shares their achievement with you, show them that you’re genuinely interested in their success. Ask open-ended questions that encourage them to reflect on their experience and what they learned.

That’s amazing! What do you think was the most challenging part of the test for you?

I’m so happy for you! What did you do differently this time that helped you get an A?

Wow, an A is incredible! Can you tell me more about what you did to prepare for the test?

Connect on an Emotional Level

As parents, we have the unique opportunity to connect with our children on a deep level. When they share their achievements with us, we can respond in a way that shows we understand and share in their emotions.

I can see how proud you are of yourself, and I’m feeling proud of you too! This is a huge accomplishment.

I love seeing you so happy and confident. You deserve to feel proud of yourself!

This is such an amazing feeling, isn’t it? I’m so happy I get to experience it with you!

Encourage Future Success

Finally, when responding to your child’s achievement, use the opportunity to encourage them to continue striving for excellence. Help them see that this success is not a one-time event, but rather the beginning of a journey.

This is just the beginning of your academic journey! I’m excited to see what you’ll achieve next.

You’re on a roll! Keep up the great work, and I have no doubt you’ll continue to excel.

This A is a testament to your abilities. Now, let’s set some new goals and see what you can achieve next!

In conclusion, when our children come to us with news of their achievements, it’s a moment to cherish and nurture their confidence. By responding in a way that acknowledges their hard work, shows genuine interest, connects on an emotional level, and encourages future success, we can help them develop a growth mindset and a lifetime of achievement. So the next time your child comes to you beaming with pride, remember to take a deep breath, put on a big smile, and say…

I’m so proud of you! You deserve to celebrate this amazing accomplishment!

Be kind ❤