I really struggle with this with my toddler. I want him to know I'm proud of him (and I am), but I also don't want to celebrate mediocrity (as you artfully highlighted here) or overpraise the basics like putting his toys away.

I was given one too many participation trophies growing up, which honestly led to many mediocre goals for myself early in life. I don't want that for my son, but I also fear the consequences of not praising him enough (there are a lot of broken people who never heard "I'm proud of you" from their parents).

Really appreciated your actionable steps at the end to make praise more specific and calibrated.

Great piece.