
Is My Wife Overprotective or Am I Overthinking?
When one parent becomes overly protective, it can create confusion and conflict. Here’s how to tell if it’s a problem—and what to do next.
Home > Parenting Challenges > Parenting Mistakes > Overpraising
“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.
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.
When one parent becomes overly protective, it can create confusion and conflict. Here’s how to tell if it’s a problem—and what to do next.
Micromanaging might look like care, but it breeds insecurity, resentment, and fear of failure. Discover how to guide without controlling, and trust your child’s learning process.
Does quality time really impact your child’s growth and connection with you? Yes—and here’s how to make it meaningful, even in everyday moments.
Single parenting requires resilience and creativity. Learn how to navigate challenges, strengthen bonds, and create a positive environment for your child.
Safety-centric parenting prioritizes protecting children from physical, emotional, and digital risks while fostering a secure environment for growth.
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.
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 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.