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When Praise Backfires: The Problem With Overpraising Kids

Praise builds confidence—but too much or the wrong kind can harm more than help. Learn how to avoid raising approval-seeking or entitled children.

Praising children builds confidence
When Praise Backfires: The Problem With Overpraising Kids

“You’re amazing!” “You’re so smart!” “You’re the best at everything!” At first glance, it sounds like good parenting—boosting your child’s self-esteem through constant praise. But what if that well-intended encouragement is actually doing the opposite? Over time, children who are overpraised can become either overly confident, afraid to fail, or constantly in need of external validation to feel good about themselves. This article explores the subtle dangers of overpraising, why it happens, and what kind of praise truly helps your child thrive—inside and out.

Praising children builds confidence, right? Yes—until it doesn’t. Learn how overpraise can backfire, and what to say instead to help your child grow resilient and self-assured.

What Is Overpraising—and Why Does It Matter?

Overpraising means offering constant or exaggerated positive feedback, especially for things that don’t require it or weren’t earned. It includes phrases like “You’re the smartest ever” after basic effort or praising every small action, regardless of quality or context. While it comes from love, overpraise can teach kids to associate their value with constant applause. Instead of building self-worth, it creates a dependence on praise or sets unrealistic expectations that they must always be “the best.” It’s not praise itself that’s harmful—it’s praise without substance or balance.

Why Do Parents Overpraise Their Children?

Desire to Boost Confidence: Many parents worry their child will struggle with self-worth, so they try to “fill the cup” with constant compliments.
Guilt or Absence: Parents who feel disconnected due to work, stress, or past conflicts may try to make up for it through praise.
Fear of Demotivation: Some believe withholding praise will make the child feel unseen or unappreciated, so they overcompensate.
Cultural or Social Pressure: Parenting advice and social media often push praise as a key ingredient to raising confident kids.
Lack of Alternatives: Many parents simply don’t know how to give meaningful feedback without defaulting to praise.
Their Own Upbringing: Parents who lacked encouragement growing up may swing to the other extreme in their own parenting.
Scientific parenting combines research-backed methods to help parents raise emotionally strong and intellectually curious children while fostering resilience and independence.
Scientific Parenting

Scientific parenting combines research-backed methods to help parents raise emotionally strong and intellectually curious children while fostering resilience and independence.

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How Overpraise Impacts a Child’s Development

External Validation Dependence: Children start needing others to tell them they’re doing well instead of trusting their own effort.
Fear of Failure: Overpraised kids may avoid challenges where they risk not being “the best.”
Low Resilience: When things go wrong, they crumble—because they’re not used to effort being praised over outcomes.
Entitlement: Some begin to expect praise even for minimal effort or everyday behavior, which can strain relationships later.
Dishonesty or People-Pleasing: Kids may hide mistakes or exaggerate achievements to keep the praise flowing.
Stunted Intrinsic Motivation: When kids are praised for everything, they lose interest in doing things for their own joy or growth.

Signs You May Be Overpraising Your Child

Your child constantly asks “Did I do good?” even after small tasks.
They get upset or shut down when they’re not praised.
They exaggerate accomplishments or avoid admitting mistakes.
They show little motivation unless they’re being watched or rewarded.
Dishonesty or People-Pleasing: Kids may hide mistakes or exaggerate achievements to keep the praise flowing.
You find yourself complimenting every little thing—just to keep them smiling or cooperative.

How to Praise in a Healthy, Helpful Way

Praise the Process, Not the Person: Say “You worked hard on that drawing” instead of “You’re such an artist.”
Be Specific and Genuine: Swap vague praise for detailed feedback like “I noticed how you kept trying even when it was hard.”
Limit Automatic Praise: Save praise for moments that reflect growth, effort, or meaningful behavior—not just every action.
Encourage Reflection: Ask “How do *you* feel about what you did?” to help build internal validation.
Acknowledge Emotions Too: Don’t just praise success—validate disappointment, frustration, or courage in tough moments.
Model Self-Talk: Let your child hear you say things like “That was tough, but I’m proud I stuck with it.”
Use Encouragement Over Praise: Try “You’ve got this” or “I believe in you” instead of “You’re amazing” all the time.
Create a Growth Culture: Normalize effort, learning, and failure as part of the family language—not just “being great.”
Balance Praise with Questions: “What part of that project was the hardest for you?” opens up real dialogue and reflection.

Tools and Habits to Replace Overpraise

Desire to Boost Confidence: Many parents worry their child will struggle with self-worth, so they try to “fill the cup” with constant compliments.
Guilt or Absence: Parents who feel disconnected due to work, stress, or past conflicts may try to make up for it through praise.
Fear of Demotivation: Some believe withholding praise will make the child feel unseen or unappreciated, so they overcompensate.
Cultural or Social Pressure: Parenting advice and social media often push praise as a key ingredient to raising confident kids.
Lack of Alternatives: Many parents simply don’t know how to give meaningful feedback without defaulting to praise.
Their Own Upbringing: Parents who lacked encouragement growing up may swing to the other extreme in their own parenting.

Real Confidence Comes From Within, Not Applause

Praise can light a spark—but true self-worth grows when kids feel seen for who they are and what they *try*, not just what they achieve. By shifting praise from constant to conscious, you teach your child to find pride in effort, joy in learning, and comfort in being themselves. That’s the kind of confidence that doesn’t crumble under pressure. And that’s the gift you give when you stop overpraising and start encouraging authentically.

When to Seek Guidance Around Praise and Self-Worth

If your child struggles with perfectionism, needs constant praise, or melts down without validation, professional support can help. Child therapists or parenting coaches can guide you in nurturing internal motivation and emotional regulation. They’ll help build your child’s self-worth from the inside—while helping you break free from the pressure to “keep them happy” with praise. It’s never too early to shift the pattern. It’s always the right time to raise a child who knows their worth—without needing applause to feel it.

How Our Quiz Can Help You Reframe Praise

Our parenting quiz helps reveal how your style impacts your child’s need for external validation. Are you more praise-driven or growth-focused? Do you lean toward motivation or reassurance? Knowing your natural instinct helps you adapt. It’s not about eliminating praise—it’s about making it meaningful. Take the quiz to learn how your feedback lands—and how small changes can make a big, lasting difference.

Praise Less, Connect More, Raise Confidence

Praise isn’t bad. But constant, empty praise can disconnect your child from their own inner compass. What they really need isn’t to hear “You’re the best” every day—it’s to feel seen, supported, and safe to try, fail, and grow. When you offer honest encouragement and stay curious about their journey, you raise a child who knows their worth isn’t based on being perfect. It’s based on being whole.