My wife and I have read Carrol Dwecks book "Mindset" and buy into her thought process and studies. The book explains how praising for abilities rather than efforts has unintended long term repercussions. e.g.- "You got an A, good job, you're so smart" (incorrect) vs. "You got an A, good job, you must have worked really hard" (correct).
We have put a concerted effort into changing our own mindset and the way we praise. Adjusting our natural inclination to praise for ability has been hard but we're getting there.
Not many other parents we talk to have heard about this area of study. If you haven't been exposed to it this is as succinct of an article as I can find on the subject.
I'm interested to know if others find this way of thinking and child raising valuable. Thanks.