Rethinking how you praise your kids

You know how it feels to beam with pride at your kiddo's achievements. You want to shout from the rooftops, “You’re a genius!” or “You're a natural athlete!” But here's a little dad nugget for ya: Not all praise is created equal.

Ever heard of Andrew Huberman, that brainy dude over at Stanford? He's dived deep into the world of praise and performance. And the takeaway? Telling your little ones they’re "naturally talented" might actually be putting a lid on their potential. Mind-blowing, right?

We've all been there. You told yourself you can't dance or draw to save your life, but can rock out on a guitar. According to Huberman, these self-tales get intertwined with our identities, especially when we hear them repeatedly.

Here's a bit more dad-wisdom: Instead of telling your kid they're a football prodigy, focus on praising their hard work and effort. Like the age-old saying, it’s about the journey, not the destination. It's like learning to BBQ; you gotta appreciate the process, even if it's just burning a few sausages at first.

Stanford’s Carol Dweck is onto something too. Kids who hear they're smart tend to pick easier tasks for that ego boost. But those who get a high-five for their hard grind? They’re the ones looking for bigger mountains to climb.

What's the game plan?

1. Ditch the labels: Instead of "You're a genius!", try "You worked so hard on that!"

2. Champion growth: Teach 'em that brains are like muscles. The more they're flexed, the stronger they get.

3. Encourage asking for help: It's not a sign of weakness but a step towards mastery.

4. Turn stress into an ally: A bit of stress is like a dash of chili in your BBQ sauce. It adds a zing and makes things interesting.

It's not just about where our attention goes; it's about the effort we put in. So, dads, next time your kiddo does something rad, remember it's the sweat and effort behind it that truly shines. Let's praise that.