Dear Ms Delisio,

Your article in the education magazine about praising children sparked my interest,
not least because it challenged the long-held assumption that more praise is always
better. I found myself nodding along with many of the points raised, particularly the
concern about "approval junkies" and the potential for empty praise to lose its
meaning.

While I understand the sentiment behind Stephanie Marchant's passionate belief in

constant encouragement, I find Dr Davies' view on identifying and developing
strengths more convincing. Focusing on specific improvements and addressing
weaknesses with honest feedback, delivered sensitively, seems a more sustainable
approach to building confidence and resilience in the long run. It fosters intrinsic
motivation based on self-worth rather than dependence on external validation.

Furthermore, Benjamin Li's point about grounded, specific praise resonated strongly.
Blanket compliments, especially when given indiscriminately, ring hollow and can
ultimately demotivate children who see through the insincerity. Honest
acknowledgment of both strengths and areas for growth provides a clearer roadmap
for progress and encourages children to take ownership of their learning.

However, I agree with Kirsten Xiang that entirely withholding praise can be
detrimental, especially for children facing challenges. Finding the right balance is
crucial. Perhaps effusive praise for every minor accomplishment isn't necessary, but
genuine appreciation for effort, progress, and even facing one's fears can go a long
way. A simple "I see you put in a lot of effort on that!" or "I'm proud of you for taking
that risk" can be far more meaningful than generic accolades.

Ultimately, I believe the key lies in tailoring praise to the individual child and the
specific situation. Empty praise is useless, but thoughtful, honest, and specific
appreciation can be a powerful tool for building confidence, resilience, and a healthy
sense of self-worth in children. It's not about praising everything or avoiding praise
altogether, but about using it strategically and intentionally to nurture intrinsic
motivation and foster genuine growth.

Thank you for prompting this insightful discussion on praise. It's a complex issue with
no easy answers, but your article provided valuable food for thought and encouraged
me to reflect on my own interactions with children.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]