# Psychological perspectives on child parenting and praise

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/psychological-perspectives-on-child-parenting-and-praise
> Updated: 2026-09-14T14:56:06.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Psychological experts have provided guidance for parents regarding the potential negative impacts of certain communication styles on child development and self-esteem.

One perspective suggests that telling children they can achieve anything may be a ‘false message’ that creates unrealistic expectations and fosters extrinsic motivation. Instead, experts recommend using realistic language to build resilience and validating a child’s fear of new challenges.

Further research highlights that the type of praise used can also influence long-term outcomes. Praising a child’s innate traits, such as being ‘smart’, rather than their specific efforts, may lead children to avoid difficult tasks and give up more easily. Studies indicate that praising effort rather than intelligence helps children maintain joy in problem-solving and better handle challenges.

## Claims

- Psychologist Jette Blaschke warns that praising a child's inherent traits rather than their actions can negatively impact long-term self-esteem. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A 1998 study by researchers Claudia Mueller and Carol Dweck found that fifth-graders praised for intelligence tended to choose easier tasks and gave up more quickly on difficult ones compared to those (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A 2013 long-term observation by Elizabeth Gunderson and colleagues supported the finding that different types of praise in early childhood affect development. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Psychologist warns improper praise can harm child self-esteem

Psychologist Jette Blaschke warns that praising children for inherent traits like intelligence rather than effort can negatively impact their long-term self-esteem and resilience.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/psychologist-warns-improper-praise-can-harm-child-self-esteem

### 2026-09-02: Psychologist advises parents against telling children they can achieve anything

Psychologist Juli Fraga warns parents that telling children they can achieve anything is unrealistic and suggests using more grounded encouragement to build true resilience and confidence.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/psychologist-advises-parents-against-telling-children-they-can-achieve-anything

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Cite as: Psychological perspectives on child parenting and praise. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/psychological-perspectives-on-child-parenting-and-praise