In Adlerian parenting, which of the following is NOT an example of encouragement?

In Adlerian parenting, encouragement is a fundamental approach aimed at fostering a child's sense of belonging, confidence, and motivation. The core principle of encouragement is to support and uplift the child, helping them develop a positive self-image and resilience.

Inducing guilt to motivate better performance does not align with the principles of encouragement in Adlerian theory. Instead of fostering a positive self-concept, guilt can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, which are counterproductive to a child's emotional development. This approach is punitive rather than supportive, contrasting sharply with the goal of encouragement, which is to promote a child's intrinsic motivation through positive reinforcement.

In contrast, celebrating a child's grade improvement, pointing out the effort behind achievements, and offering specific praise for improvements all exemplify encouragement. These actions validate the child's efforts, helping them recognize their capabilities and fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue striving for success. They focus on the process and the child's growth rather than creating negative feelings that can stem from guilt, making them integral parts of an encouraging parenting style in Adlerian thought.