Constructive feedback is every parent’s secret weapon

I was finishing up a presentation for work when my little one, crayons in hand, proudly showed me a new drawing. It was…abstract, to say the least.

I smiled, “It’s beautiful,” but then they frowned, “No, Mommy, what can I fix?”

It hit me; sometimes, even kids crave feedback that helps them grow, not just praise!

Constructive feedback isn’t just for the workplace, it’s a powerful tool in our parenting toolkit too.

From then, I learned to make it work at home: Emphasize effort, not just results: I recognize the

hard work they put in. Instead of only praising the outcome, I highlight the patience, creativity, or dedication it took to get there.

Give specific praise: Kids need more than a “Good job.” I pinpoint what exactly is impressive; whether it is how they coloured inside the lines or used a bold colour choice.

Offer gentle guidance: When they are open to improvement, I provide feedback in a way that is easy to accept. Rather than pointing out mistakes, I suggest ways to make it “even better.”

Encourage gratitude: Teaching my little ones to be

grateful for guidance helps them grow humbly. It also reminds me to be thankful for my own support system, as parenting was never meant to be a solo journey.

Reconnect in faith:

I turned to prayer as a source of guidance and peace in my parenting. Leaning on Allah reminded me to approach my children with both love and patience.

How are you giving feedback in ways that help your children thrive?

#parentingally #ParentingCoach #parentingjourney