The first time I came acros this it stumped me. What are you supposed to do? Most of us are raised like this. We're taught to think this way, by our parents, at school, at work even. But once I digested it it really made a lot of sense to me.

I like to acknowledge acomplishments, if DS does something exceptional or achieves somethign that was difficult. I like to describe what he's done, ask him about it, ask his opinion. And I thank him if he does something to please me.

I dont' think all priase is detrimental, but I do think it tends to be overused as a tool to manipulate children and after a while it becomes somewhat trite and meaningless.