Did you know, positive feedback and language play crucial roles in the optimal brain development of young children? When children receive positive feedback, such as praise and encouragement, their brains release dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This reinforces their learning experiences and motivates them to explore further, fostering a positive attitude towards learning. Language, on the other hand, is fundamental for cognitive development as it enables children to express their thoughts, emotions, and needs. Through language interactions with caregivers and other children, they not only learn vocabulary and grammar but they also develop critical thinking skills and emotional regulation (i.e Conscious Discipline!). In addition, conversations stimulate various areas of the brain, enhancing neural connections and laying the groundwork for future academic and social success.
Check out this Conscious Discipline base guideline ‘Instead of saying That, say This’ common phrase guide to reference when wanting to gauge, communicate, and have a more conscious interaction with your child.
Starting with just a few phrases and saying it in a way where you can have a conscious conversation with your child allows them to feel safe, understood, and in tune to what you are asking your child to do. Don’t forget to model for them, as modeling helps them clearly understand the task and expectations that you are looking for. 
Positive choice language when communicating with children focuses on framing interactions in a constructive and supportive manner. Instead of using negative commands or reprimands, positive choice language encourages children to make decisions and understand consequences positively. For example, rather than saying “No Running,” one might say “Let’s use our walking feet” This approach empowers children by offering them choices within acceptable boundaries, fostering their sense of autonomy and responsibility. By emphasizing what can be done rather than what cannot, positive choice language promotes cooperation, self-confidence, and effective communication skills in children, laying a foundation for respectful and conscious interactions as they grow.
Integrating positive feedback and rich language environments from an early age is essential for nurturing healthy brain development in young children. They are sponges, and will soak up everything! So, it might seem like a small thing, but what we say and how we say it to children is extremely important.