Here are some ways to do this:

1. At dinnertime, ask your child to think of something he learned or accomplished that day. If this is too difficult for him, mention something he did well. For example, “You made your bed all by yourself!”
2. Have your child complete sentences like these:
   • I’m proud that I can . . .
   • Something I do well is . . .
   • I’m getting better at . . .
   • I don’t need help with . . .
   • I can help others . . .
3. Set aside a family time to exchange “warm fuzzies.” These are words or deeds that help someone else feel good. Talk about the difference between warm fuzzies (such as “You’re good at drawing animals.”) and cold pricklies (such as “Can’t you do that?”), which can hurt feelings.
4. Make a warm fuzzy poster. Record the good things you see each other do. (“Lizzie watered the plants for Mom” or “Dad helped Jill with math homework.”) You can write your preschooler’s comments for him. At the end of each week, review the poster together.

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