The Power of Praise in Building Connection and Confidence

Praise is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools a parent can use to support a child’s development. A family in Kolkata recently shared how using small, positive phrases changed the way they connect and communicate with their child.

Instead of focusing on what their child could not do, they began to notice and acknowledge efforts — saying things like, “Wow, you’re looking at me so nicely!” or “You’re really trying to do it. It’s okay if it feels difficult, I can help you. Good try!” Over time, they observed that their child became more engaged, confident, and open to interaction.

Praise helps children feel recognized and valued for who they are and what they are trying to do. It shifts the focus from perfection to participation, from outcomes to effort. When parents acknowledge small attempts — a look, a gesture, a word — it reinforces positive communication and builds emotional safety.

In family-centric care, we emphasize that every interaction is an opportunity to strengthen trust. Praising your child for their effort, persistence, and progress encourages learning and resilience. It tells them, “I see you. I believe in you.”

Try using more affirming and specific praise in your daily interactions — and watch how your child’s confidence and your bond begin to grow together.

This video and guidance were created by Communiverse, led by Deepa Bhat Nair, an organisation dedicated to providing innovative, family-focused solutions for neurodivergent children and their caregivers. Communiverse offers both online and in-person support, providing highly nuanced interventions for very young children — with remarkable outcomes. The team is also pioneering path-breaking programs for middle schoolers and young adults with social cognition challenges, helping them navigate school, college, and daily interactions with greater confidence.

If you have questions about Autism, Down Syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual disabilities, or have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help. For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or what’s app us. Our counselors speak different languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.