We all want kids to express themselves clearly, listen to others, and handle disagreements like pros. But effective communication isn’t something kids just “figure out”—it’s a skill, and like any skill, it needs to be taught and practiced. 

Good communication helps kids succeed in relationships, at school, and even in sports or extracurricular activities. The best part? You don’t need a formal lesson plan to teach it. With a few intentional strategies, you can help kids build communication skills they’ll use for a lifetime. 

I know you know this, failing feels awful. Whether it’s a missed goal, a tough grade, or a fumbled performance, no one likes to fall short—especially kids. But here’s the twist: Failure isn’t the end of the story; it’s where the learning happens.

Let’s be honest: We all want to hear a good “Nice job!” every now and then. But when it comes to kids, giving praise is more than just a feel-good moment—it’s like planting seeds that can help them grow into confident, resilient little humans. So, how do we give praise that sticks and actually helps kids flourish? Let’s break it down with a couple of tips you can use right away.