10 ways to encourage your baby to keep trying

Look at that! Has your baby just stopped and picked up a moving object? They are mastering lots of tricky skills and your support and encouragement will help them to keep trying.    

Sometimes being close by, offering quiet, calm reassurance will be all the encouragement your baby needs as they are driven to master new skills. But here are some ideas for phrases that offer encouragement to keep trying. 

10 phrases to help, encourage, and support your baby 

Try again – you can do it.  

That’s a great idea! 

You worked so hard. 

Well done, you did that all by yourself?  

I like the way you... (put the car there) 

You can do it. 

You couldn’t reach, but you moved and then you got it!  

You have worked so hard. 

That was hard but you kept trying. 

Thank you for … (picking up your teddy) 

Backing up with gestures 

Any of these phrases can be backed up with a thumbs up, double thumbs up, or a high five.  

Clapping is another way of embracing achievement and celebrating your baby’s developing skills, as well as the good old-fashioned hug and kiss.  

Praise not just the end result 

When thinking about supporting and encouraging your baby, celebrate the progression of their skills. You might notice that they have tried to stop a moving object but didn’t quite achieve it. Saying something like, “You nearly did it that time, your hand touched the car. Have another go!,” will encourage them to try again.