It's great that parents feel pride for their kids, but statements like this don't address what it is that they did well, and it makes the child feel like they're responsible for their parent's happiness or that they need to do something in order to earn love. "Sometimes kids can hear this as they need to perform to receive your love," Dr. Lapointe explained. "That, indeed, is the problem with praise in general. When a child attaches their sense of worth to whether or not they please you with their actions, they're doomed to failure." Instead, use phrases like, "I see that you shared your toys with that younger child. It's good to be kind."