6 better things to say than "good job" - from The Conscious Parenting Hub

Using more detailed and targeted praise helps children understand and internalize positive feedback, which can be more motivating and affirming than a simple “good job.”

If you’re interested to know why, here are a few reasons:

1. Specificity: They point out precisely what the child did well, which can make the praise feel more genuine and understood.

2. Encourages Effort: They focus on effort, perseverance, and process rather than just the outcome, reinforcing the value of hard work and persistence.

3. Builds Self-Awareness: By highlighting specific actions or behaviors, children can become more aware of their strengths and areas for growth.

4. Promotes Growth Mindset: Praises that recognize effort, strategy, focus, and persistence encourage a growth mindset, fostering the belief that abilities can be developed.

5. Deepens Connection: Specific compliments show the child that you’re paying attention and that you recognize and value their individual attributes.

6. Avoids Praise Dependency: Generic praise can lead to children becoming dependent on external validation. Specific praise emphasizes internal qualities and the value of the task itself.

7. Reinforces Desired Behavior: When you point out a particular behavior you appreciate, it reinforces the likelihood of the child repeating that behavior in the future.