Light shouldn’t be trapped under a bushel barrel. Good news shouldn’t be wasted either. Notice when something big happens to your kids. Trumpet your child’s accomplishments and celebrate them together—even if you have to look closely to see them.

Different children have different capabilities. Honest efforts from whiz kids and slow learners deserve recognition and reward. Never favor one child because he tests well. Focus on accomplishment rather than sheer potential. Be willing to see beyond tight smiles to the struggles beneath the mask. What came easy for you might be a brain bender for them. A C+ in a tough class deserves to be heralded every bit as much as an A in an easy one—probably more so.

Successes large or small should be announced at family meals and in year-end newsletters. Think of unique ways to say “Congratulations”—maybe a special meal out or an elaborate Chinese dinner brought in. If your children enjoy books or clothes, find gift certificates that they can use as they please. They’ll appreciate the bonus and you’ll love seeing what happens when positive efforts are reinforced.

When you make a point of getting the whole family into the act, your children realize you’re proud enough to burst. Everyone relishes the well-deserved limelight. Kids need to cheer for each other as well. It teaches them how to enjoy someone else’s being center stage—an important life skill.

Individual accomplishments grow when sprinkled with encouragement. Show how pleased you are when your child triumphs. Let your kids know that God is smiling on them too! Make sure your whole family shares in the excitement. They’ll be more inclined to cheer knowing their turn will come.