Myths Associated with Praise

Carol Dweck (entity theory - key abilities are rooted in talents, not discipline or hard work, which means that praise can lead kids to give up when they encounter difficulty) (incremental theory - praise should focus on effort and building skills)

Contrast between self-esteem, self-concept and self-confidence

The more extreme the praise, the more likely it will backfire, causing kids to resist taking on new challenges

Helen McGrath, RMIT - "lavishing children with praise can create a very high self-esteem that can backfire. A child told they are fabulous all the time can develop an inflated self-concept, narcissistic traits and bullying."

• "Process praise" can be good as it recognizes a child's choices or hard work.

• Praise for pro-social behavior can help young people develop good people skills.

• Focus on support and encouragement all the time - not just when they've accomplished something praiseworthy.

• Be careful about being insincere or offering praise that's manipulative.

• Avoid extreme praise.

• Avoid praising kids for achievements that come easily.

• Praise kids when they control things they can control, not for being gifted with special abilities.

• Avoid over-praising when kids do stuff they enjoy.

• Avoid comparative praise.

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/ulterior-motives/201404/the-dangers-extreme-praise

http://jolamble.com/2012/05/31/the-dangers-of-excessive-praise/

https://parentingscience.com/effects-of-praise/

GBL - intrinsic and extrinsic motivation

Martin Covington - motivations