I think it's important to remember that once she grows up and gets a job, employers aren't going to be throwing praise around left and right. Its worrying to see what's happening in schools today (no more red pens when grading papers since its a negative color, awards for everyone in sports, getting rid of "F" as grades and replacing them with "H" for "held back"). Children are going to grow up without anyone ever pointing out their flaws or areas for improvement. Employers will notice flaws. If I'm doing something wrong at work, or something that could be done in a different, better way, I want to know. Having my employer ignore it until raise time or promotion time and then not getting one will be worse.

I am not sure you can overpraise a child when they do something good, as long as you are guardedly critical when they do something mediocre. I guess it depends on the age and capabilities of the child, too. You wouldn't tell your 3 year old that their picture stinks, even if it does in some measurable way. You would still say you love it and then follow up with what a good job they did (with some aspect of the picture). Praise the good aspects of what they have done. Where as you might tell a 13 year old that their picture lacks depth or color or whatever...maybe even come out and say that you do not like it as much as others and that you know they can do better.

One thing Barbara brings up is "One tip: be clear that the child is not the sum of her behavior". I have some trouble with this. I believe that we all are only the sum of our behavior. If we are "good" people but only behave "badly", then actually we are "bad" people. (An overly simple example, but you get what I mean.) I have been agonizing this as it relates to children, though, and I am not sure where I stand. Children are still forming their minds, so even an always "bad" child may turn out "good". Just a thought.

I have one child a 5 five year old girl. I try to save my praise for the really grand stuff. Some may say I am to honest in my assesment of her. However, she herself realizes when she puts a lot of effort in to something and when she just rushes through something. I just let her know that when she takes her time on something it really shows, and she does awesome. . I always tell her the most important thing I expect of her regarding school work is that she always try her best and I will always be proud...perfect or not.