When my kids try something new--even if they stink at it--I praise them like mad for their willingness to put themselves out there. One side effect is that my older child tries every new food that comes his way. It's nice to have a 6yo who will try even crazy stuff like dried fish from Iceland and cactus fruit!

And naturally, praising hard work is key. I couldn't agree more. laugh Praising natural ability seems to me to be like praising a kid's eye color. Saying "thank you" for that seems...odd!

Kriston