What Your Child Really Means

Last weekend, something powerful happened in one of our sessions.

A young boy, who has been struggling with school since the term started, looked up and said to me, “I am better this week, I’ve improved.”

Now, if I am honest… my mind immediately flashed to the long message his parents had sent a day earlier, detailing yet another round of challenges in class.

But instead of brushing off his comment, I am reminded….

That statement wasn’t about improvement.
It was about self-awareness. It was about his effort.
It was him starting to believe that change is possible. So I looked at him and said, “That’s wonderful. I am proud of your effort. Keep going.”

Later, I shared this with his parents and gently reminded them:
Praise the tiniest effort.
Celebrate the smallest step.
For a child, recognition fuels motivation.

So the next time your child says, ‘I improve,’ - even if it feels like a stretch -
Let your words be warm. Let your eyes light up. Let’s raise children who believe they can improve, because when they believe, they become.

With heartfelt,
Elfin Ng
Founder, stART Studio
Crafting Confidence, One Brushstroke at a Time