What to say instead of “Good Girl” or “Good Job” and why

When a student did something awesome, I would automatically say “good girl.”

But then I learned about the detrimental effects it can have in the psychology of our little humans.

Saying “Good girl” attaches dancers to the goal an outcome. Or more specifically: an image that they need to meet for us. (Instead of the process - their inner will and strength.)

But when you focus on explaining exactly why you’re saying good girl, you have the power to set them up for a deeper level of success for the rest of their lives.

Here are some quick examples:

“You worked so hard on that.”

“That was a tough step but you didn't give up. You have an extraordinary mind”

“Wow! You couldn't do that last week, but now you can. Your body is so powerful”