Make recognition specific.
Describe an action you have noticed: helping someone, solving a problem or returning to a difficult task. Let the example support the encouragement.
Invite their perspective.
Ask whether they recognise that quality in themselves. A child’s hesitation is a reason to stay curious, not to insist on a positive response.
Connect strength with opportunity.
Explore where they could use that quality again. Recognition has a practical purpose when it helps a young person choose a next step.
From the ECNM journal
This reading edition adapts our published work. Explore the original articles below.