Good news, that is, in the form of a sensible—and even somewhat practical!—article on the topic.

My favorite points:

- Parents probably aren’t quite as influential as some experts (and some parents) think they are. Wait, my child’s personality isn’t all about me?

- Over-praise may stem from the parent’s need to have a child who is the “best” (academically, athletically, artistically…). Wait, my child’s talents aren’t all about me, either? What is this world coming to?

On the other hand, isn’t it possible that some of us believe our children really are the very smartest, loveliest, most delightful people on earth? At least sometimes? And that our praise reflects our sometimes-blind adoration of these little creatures? Because I’d rather be labeled “infatuated” than “pathological,” but that may be just me.