Newsletter - Head Start Happenings: December 2025

Miranda Osburn
13 minutes ago
2 min read

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How to Give Praise to our Children

When you praise your child’s efforts, try to:

Be Specific. Take the guesswork out of what you’re praising. Instead of saying “You were so good in the store,” make a more detailed comment: “Thank you for being so patient while we waited in line.” This can help your child remember to be patient again the next time you’re waiting in line.

Be Sincere. Kids know when you’re not being genuine. Insincere praise- “You’re the best basketball player in the world!”-can make kids wonder why you’re not telling them the truth. It might even make them feel like you think they can’t do any better.

Be Clear. Be descriptive about what you’re praising. “Your watercolor technique is really coming along nicely-did you use any new techniques in this painting?” is more helpful than “This is such a fantastic painting. Someday you’ll have your own art gallery!” This helps remove pressure to be perfect or “the best.” It’s more realistic, and it helps kids understand what they’re working on getting better at.

Focus on progress. This helps kids see how their efforts are paying off. It can keep them motivated, too. For example: “I can really tell how much you’ve been practicing dribbling. You’re better at controlling the ball than you were at the beginning of the season.”

Talk about how their actions affect other people. For example, you can say, “Thanks for helping with the dishes. I really appreciated your lending a hand.” This also shows kids they’re a valued member of the family or community.

Help kids express feelings. Sometimes kids need help identifying their own emotions and owning their accomplishments. For example, if you’re praising our child’s hard work in math, you can add: “You must feel so proud that all of your hard work and studying made such a big difference.”

By Amanda Morin

Expert reviewed by Elizabeth Harstad, MD, MPH

“Information may be free, but an education Is priceless”

-Marie Forleo, American writer, speaker, and entrepreneur

December Recipe Corner

French Toast Berry Cup & Stuffed Biscuit Cup

French Toast Berry Cup

1 Slice WGR Bread, crust removed
1 Egg
2 tbsp milk
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup berries
1 tsp maple syrup

Preheat oven to 375 ° F. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and cinnamon. Dunk break into egg mixture making sure both sides are covered. Press into muffin tin. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Pour berries into the center and drizzle with maple syrup.

Stuffed Biscuit Cup

¾ oz of sliced ham or turkey
¾ ounce shredded cheddar cheese
1 canned biscuit weighing at least 14 grams of ½ ounce

Preheat the oven to 400 ° F. Roll the biscuit out flat and add meat and cheese to center. Pinch edges together to seal tight. Place the stuffed biscuit in muffin tin. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.