How To Empower A Child

Honor the spirit of the child - Look at positive - "Fake it until you make it"
Genuine Encounter Moments
Give unconditional love
Act, don't yak
Do what you say
Know the child
Choose major issues, not minor
Can't teach responsibility, can only give it
Do not label child
Evaluate self concept
Respect child's boundaries
Use acceptable tone of voice
Encourage positive self talk
Promote order and routine
Honor intentions
Empower child to decide
Respect and honor difference; not "don't be"
Help child trust intuition
Don't deny feelings
Teach responsibility for feeling loved
Remind child that they make a difference
Support dreams
Teach to go the extra mile
Focus on what love and admire
Act as if child can do it
Make sure that child has responsibilities that contribute to the whole school
Give matters full attention and take immediate action
Avoid saying "don't"
Avoid using comparisons to motivate
Emphasize personal best - model self acceptance
Encourage child to give 100%
Be consistent; follow through
Model for child
Lead child to accomplishment
Resist first temptation to show disapproval
Use encouragement instead of praise
Be specific
Emphasize the joy of doing so child understands it is his/her responsibility to make himself/herself feel worthwhile
Point out what the child does well
Use encouragement genuinely
Use entire body to express how you feel
Look and talk on his/her level
Don't yell across the room
Smile a lot
Use your shortcomings
Act as a filter - don't overwhelm or expose to too high expectations
Do not discourage by underestimating their capabilities
Make mistakes a learning experience
Minimize the importance of bad habits
Avoid feeling sorry for the child
Don't hover
Avoid humiliation
Avoid comparing - it's not important to be the same
Avoid entertaining
Avoid criticizing and pointing out mistakes
What can you learn from the child? Tell him or her

Redirecting Children's Behavior by Kathryn Kuols