As parents and caregivers, we all want to see our children grow, learn, and communicate with confidence. One powerful way you can support your child, especially if they’re learning new communication skills, is by giving specific praise and feedback.

You may already be cheering them on with a cheerful, “Good job!” or “Way to go!” While those are great for general encouragement, being more specific with your words can make a big difference in helping your child understand what they’re doing well and why it matters.

Let’s explore how and why to give specific praise, along with step-by-step examples and simple scripts you can start using right away.

Why Specific Praise Matters

Saying “Good job!” feels great in the moment, but it doesn’t tell your child what they did right. When you give specific praise, you highlight the exact skill or behavior you want to encourage.

This helps your child:

Understand what to repeat. They learn which actions or words were helpful or successful.
Feel more confident. Knowing why they did well helps build self-esteem.
Stay motivated. Kids love to know they’re making progress, especially when learning something new.
Improve communication. You’re reinforcing the value of all kinds of communication—words, gestures, signs, or even pointing.

Step-by-Step: How to Give Specific Praise

Here’s a simple formula you can follow:

Notice the effort or skill. What did your child try or do?
Say what you saw. Be specific and kind.
Connect it to communication. Let them know why it was helpful or important.

Script Examples for Daily Life

Below are real-life examples using the steps described above. These are easy to use in the moment and can be adapted for any communication level, from a single word to full sentences.

At Mealtime

Child says: “Juice.”
You say: “Nice asking for juice! You used your words and I knew what you wanted!”

During Play

Child signs ‘more’ or points to a toy.
You say: “You showed me you wanted more blocks! Or I love how you told me without using words!”
Child says: “Car go!”
You say: “Yes! You said ‘car go’—that’s two words! You’re making longer sentences!”

Reading Together

Child labels a picture: “Dog!”
You say: “You found the dog! Great job using your voice to tell me what you see!”

Getting Dressed

Child follows a direction: (Puts on shoes when asked)
You say: “Wow! You listened and put your shoes on! You understood my words!”

When They’re Frustrated

Child uses words or gestures instead of yelling
You say: “You told me you were upset instead of yelling. That helps me understand how you feel. That’s really grown-up!”

Bonus: Turn It Into a Conversation

Sometimes, you can follow up with a short back-and-forth to build even more language. Here’s an example:

Child: “I want ball.”
You: “You said, ‘I want ball!’ That’s a great way to ask! What color ball do you want?”

What If They Don’t Use Words Yet?

Even if your child isn’t speaking yet, you can still praise communication. Watch for:

Gestures (like pointing or waving)
Eye contact
Vocal sounds
Body movement (moving toward what they want)

And respond like this:

“You looked at the bubbles! I see you want more! Let’s blow more bubbles!”
“You reached for the goldfish! That helps me know you’re hungry!”

Tip: Avoid Overusing “Good Job”

Of course, it’s okay to say “good job” once in a while! But try following it with what they did well:

“Good job… asking for help!”
“Good job… using your words when you were mad.”
“Good job…calming your body.”

Making It a Habit

Try this challenge: Pick 3 times today to give specific praise. You might be surprised how quickly your child starts communicating more and with more confidence.

Post a note on the fridge to remind yourself of the praise formula:

“Notice. Say what you saw. Connect it to communication.”

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy tools or perfect timing. Your voice, your attention, and your words are powerful tools. By using specific praise, you’re showing your child exactly what’s working and encouraging them to keep growing.

You are their biggest cheerleader. Let your words reflect just how proud you are of every step forward.

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Disclaimer: This article offers general educational information. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation or treatment. Please consult a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist for personalized concerns regarding your child’s speech development.