ABSTRACT
Perceptual alternatives are different ways of viewing and giving meaning to the same situation (Losoncy, 1977). When we become aware of perceptual alternatives, we are more in control of our options. We are able to choose how to interpret an event and how to behave. The encouraging person has the ability to view the same situation in several ways. The more ways of viewing the world one possess the greater their capacities for adjusting to life. Their ability to develop perceptual alternatives is closely linked to their willingness to take risks and grow. Developing the ability to expand your perceptual alternatives is very important in increasing your ability to encourage. Perceptual alternatives enable to be aware of the feelings, purpose, and potential that lie just beneath the surface of an individual. Without developing an alternative way of perceiving your child, you have been caught in your limited view of believing she is not adequate academically.
