Today (Monday) was an easy day. Ricki was quite cooperative, did her homework, and practiced her piano. I don't take any credit—it was a pure windfall. But I DO take credit for making sure that the natural good consequences would be pointed out to her, and to add that good word of praise.
Which leaves me wondering… Why am I not more forthcoming with praise? Why am I acutely aware of the good only when it benefits me?
It would seem that if I would pause more often, realizing that praise is food for the soul, and probably one of the best educational tools I have, I would use it more. It’s a matter of taking the long view.