Oh, I don't think there's reason to be stingy with praise, Floridama. There's a big difference between loving a child--and saying so--and talking about what they can and/or do actually do. Specific praise is generally thought to be better for kids than hyperbole, since they know when someone is blowing smoke and they stop believing even valid compliments if too much of what they're told doesn't ring true.
I want my kids to know they are loved and appreciated. I do NOT want them to think that I'm a liar or that their poo doesn't stink. I also don't want them to think that the only thing that matters is how smart they are.
I've used this often, but my mom always said, "It's nice to be smart, but it's smart to be nice." I think Mr. Rogers would approve.
