When and What to Celebrate?

I read Mac Engle's column in Saturday's (June 4) Star-Telegram with great interest and through the lens of this parenting study. He said, "In order to achieve certain goals, there are some things that need to be done that do not come with ribbons, plaques or a trophy." He goes on later in the article to say, "The Miami Heat, however, is the perfect team for my generation, and younger. We want credit for graduating from kindergarten, the first grade, second grade, third grade, for tying our shoelaces, for screwing in a light bulb or emptying the dishwasher. This over-celebrating minimizes genuine accomplishment, and entitles us to a snack after turning off our PlayStation 3." What's the difference between the point Engle is making and the point Cline/Fay make re: the three legged stool to raise our kids? Is there a mistake for which to be on the lookout? What can you do to avoid the mistake? If you've already made it, is there a correction available?