Effective balanced feedback follows certain guidelines:
Be Specific: Instead of saying "Good job," specify what the child did well, such as "You did a great job organizing your toys." Use the Sandwich Method: Start with positive feedback, follow with constructive criticism, and end on a positive note. Be Timely: Provide feedback as soon as possible after the observed behavior to make it more relevant and impactful. Be Genuine: Children can sense insincerity. Ensure that your feedback is honest and heartfelt. Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask questions that prompt the child to think about their actions and outcomes. For example, "How do you think you did on your homework?"