Great thread topic

The issue of creating and being a praise junkie was highlighted for me when i worked at an ELC (run by an independent girls' school). I soon picked up on how the staff were avoiding the use of 'good girl/boy' and it might have even been explained to me. Instead we encouraged and acknowledged effort by commenting on the praise-worthy action; eg "You have worked so hard on that construction, well done!" or "I really like how you have chosen to share that toy, that is very kind of you". Telling a child they are "good" or bad" is a pretty risky thing really.... like any other label.... and it's not really correct. No one is always good or bad. They do good or bad things, subtle difference, but can be really important to a child.

Of course at home i still slip out the occasional "good boy" etc but I try to avoid it.... it's possibly an example of my own upbringing which was big on labels.

I totally agree, and couldn't have said it better, the point Pixie made about people being free to disown their actions if they seek validation for something that later turns out to be the wrong thing.
I think it's a much better idea to tune into yout own inner voice... it's usually on the money. The opposite can also be true when everyone around you is saying that something is a dumb idea... so you don't do it... but if you had it would have been the right thing for you.

Really really interesting subject!