Prizeworthy: How to Meaningfully Connect, Build Character, and Unlock the Potential of Every Child

"It's well-known and documented that using mindfulness skills can enhance the quality of our interpersonal communication. Taking mindfulness one step further-by adding validation and compassionate presence-we have the opportunity to bring real connection and support to others. Psychologist Mitch Abblett calls this skill prizing, and he has seen its immense benefits to relationships between parents and their children, spouses, in schools, and in therapeutic settings. Our culture is addicted to "good job!"-our all-purpose, feel-good, non-specific verbal praise-especially when we talk to our kids. However, research shows that commonplace praise is insufficient and sometimes even backfires in our relationships; it often implies a connection to behavioral expectations. By contrast, prizing is a gift offered from here-and-now clear-seeing and compassionate presence, with its only agenda being connection and empowerment of others. When we speak and act from the prizeworthy paradigm, a seed of possibility is planted in the recipient and it is one of the core ingredients of psychological, emotional, and spiritual growth. For kids in particular, prizing-rather than praising by rote--can be life-changing. In Prizeworthy, Abblett introduces us to the skill and showsus what it looks like in real life situations. He shares stories of how it has made a real difference in the lives of young people, and offers practices for cultivating it at home, and in educational and therapeutic settings"--