Praise ‘can be harmful to children’: Complimenting your child too much can affect their development, research suggests
- Professor of Social Mobility at Exeter University, Elliot Major, said: ‘Being praised for an easy task sends a subliminal message of low expectations’
- A survey of almost 4,500 people conducted by the professor found 85 per cent did not realise that being over-complimentary hindered children’s learning
- He added that British tennis star Emma Raducanu, 18, was a good example of a high-flyer whose parents had not over-praised her
Every parent is prone to bouts of gushing praise when their little darling achieves another milestone.
But new research has suggested that complimenting your child too much can actually be harmful in their development.
Academics warn that while some praise is healthy, an excessive amount can stop a child trying hard.
Lee Elliot Major, professor of social mobility at Exeter University, said: ‘The urge to congratulate children for the smallest of achievements is irresistible for most parents.
‘This, after all, is affirmation for us as much as them.
‘It’s so tempting to think that showering children with positive words will help them.
‘One of the hardest lessons for parents who want the best for their children is to cut down on excessive praise.’
New research has suggested that complimenting your child too much can actually be harmful in their development
His survey of almost 4,500 people found 85 per cent of them did not realise that too many compliments are harmful to learning.
Professor Elliot Major has compiled a large body of research proving his theory for his new book, The Good Parent Educator.
He said: ‘Being praised for an easy task sends a subliminal message of low expectations.’
He added that British tennis star Emma Raducanu, 18, was a good example of a high-flyer whose parents had not over-praised her.
After winning the US Open last month, she said of her parents: ‘They’re my toughest critics and so hard to please – but I got them this time.’
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Professor Elliot Major of Exter University said: ‘Being praised for an easy task sends a subliminal message of low expectations.’
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