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Lifestyle
Celebrity Parents Warn: ‘I’m Proud of You’ May Undermine Kids, Suggest Alternatives
✍️ timesofindia.indiatimes.com
🗓 11 Sep 2026, 04:19 AM
👁 43
A Times of India feature notes that praising children with “I’m proud of you” can sometimes have unintended effects, and several celebrity parents share the phrases they prefer.
The Times of India article examines how the well‑intentioned affirmation “I’m proud of you” can backfire, placing pressure on children and shifting focus from effort to outcome.
Parenting experts cited in the story explain that such praise may encourage children to seek external validation rather than develop intrinsic motivation.
Several Indian celebrity parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they now use more specific language, acknowledging the child’s effort, describing particular actions, or expressing confidence in their abilities.
The piece recommends replacing generic pride statements with concrete feedback – for example, “I noticed how hard you worked on this” or “You handled that challenge well” – to nurture resilience and self‑esteem.
These suggestions echo broader research on growth mindset, urging parents to reflect on the impact of their words.
Parenting experts cited in the story explain that such praise may encourage children to seek external validation rather than develop intrinsic motivation.
Several Indian celebrity parents, speaking on condition of anonymity, say they now use more specific language, acknowledging the child’s effort, describing particular actions, or expressing confidence in their abilities.
The piece recommends replacing generic pride statements with concrete feedback – for example, “I noticed how hard you worked on this” or “You handled that challenge well” – to nurture resilience and self‑esteem.
These suggestions echo broader research on growth mindset, urging parents to reflect on the impact of their words.