How Not to Talk to Your Kids

New York Magazine by Po Bronson | Feb. 19, 2007 (Special Report)
The Inverse Power of Praise.

When parents praise their children's intelligence, they believe they are providing the solution to this problem. According to a survey conducted by Columbia University, 85 percent of American parents think it's important to tell their kids that they're smart. In and around the New York area, according to my own (admittedly nonscientific) poll, the number is more like 100 percent. Everyone does it, habitually. The constant praise is meant to be an angel on ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala

See All Reviews »

View

Review

Patricia Blochowiak
4.9
 by Patricia Blochowiak - Oct. 1, 2008

This is one of the better descriptions of the current state of the science of human behavior as it relates to motivation. The journalist chose one of the most highly respected researchers in the nation for the beginning of the story, moving on to the author of the opposing viewpoint, who is now supporting praising effort, rather than "building self-esteem." It would, perhaps, be more convincing to the lay public if it included a more extensive discussion of the need for rigorous methods of study, thus clariflying the need to exclude most of the 15,000 studies. As a physician with a psychology degree, I find this article highly commendable.

See All Reviews »

Patricia's Rating

Overall
4.9

Very good
from 13 answers
Quality
4.8
Facts
5.0
Fairness
5.0
Information
5.0
Sourcing
4.0
Style
5.0
Accuracy
5.0
Balance
4.0
Context
5.0
Popularity
5.0
Recommendation
5.0
Credibility
5.0
More How our ratings work »