Praise is a powerful tool for parenting. It helps your child to learn, feel accepted, and build confidence. It seems simple to just tell your child you are proud of them, but there are actually ways to make your praise more effective.

Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder where a child is unable to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to talk in others. There is a noticeable and significant shift in a child’s speech across different settings.

Connecting with your child during special time can be the foundation of supportive, healthy family relationships. A few key details make it more effective in also helping to manage unwanted behaviors.