Why calling children ‘smart’ may have an unexpected downside

Telling a young child they are “smart” is often intended as encouragement. Parents and teachers may use the compliment to build confidence and motivate children to learn. However, new research suggests that praise focused on intelligence may have an unexpected effect, potentially making some children more concerned about protecting their image.

Praise can shape how children see themselves

Compliments can influence the way children understand their abilities. When a child repeatedly hears that they are “smart”, they may begin to attach part of their identity to being seen as intelligent.

This can make mistakes feel more uncomfortable, particularly when children believe that getting something wrong could challenge the positive image others have of them.

Fear of failure can change behaviour

The research highlighted in the article examines whether intelligence-focused praise can affect children’s behaviour when they face situations where their abilities are tested.

One concern is that children who feel pressure to maintain a reputation for being smart may become more focused on avoiding failure than learning from it. In some circumstances, that pressure could even encourage dishonest behaviour such as cheating. The Conversation report

The way adults praise matters

The findings do not mean children should not be praised. Rather, they highlight the importance of considering what adults praise.

Instead of placing all the emphasis on being intelligent, parents and teachers can recognise children’s effort, persistence and willingness to learn. This can help make mistakes feel like part of the learning process rather than evidence that a child is not capable.

Encouraging children to embrace challenges

For children, confidence does not have to mean believing they will always get things right. It can also mean feeling comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and trying again.

A supportive approach to praise may therefore help children understand that learning is a process — and that their worth does not depend on always appearing “smart”.