It's the "standard" standard.

Why do people get disappointed when you don't revel in their completion of a "standard" standard?

Since when did it become ABNORMAL to expect obvious regard for another breathing soul? Why do we congratulate people from graduating from pre-school, kindergarten, or high school?  These are milestones achievements  things that you should do. Perhaps in a third world or war torn country this may be hard to  accomplish but this is America. We are given the free ticket to gather the education. It is an expectation that you complete your coursework.

We lavish our children with gifts upon completion of EVERYTHING. From going potty to a perfect attendance,  we have overcongratulated our kids into expecting kudos for every thing they do instilling a false pride where it should not be.

Please recognize the difference  between positive reinforcement and congratulatory behavior.   "Keep trying you can do it!" is not the same as " Suzy was awesome today, she did her first boo boo in the potty and now we are headed to the Melting Pot!"

If we keep forcing our kids into the beliefs that every right turn is deemed worthy of celebration they will never be able to discern what a real accomplishment is.


Expect your child to finish school.  Don't  buy them a car when the finish.
Expect your mate to treat you with utmost regard. Don't tell your girlfriends he's the greatest guy because he remembers your birthday and does his share of the housework.
Expect  your employees to have a superior work ethic. Don't  make them Assistant Manager because they show up to work every day.


Truth be told: We over-congratulate and over-celebrate routine things. Why? Start expecting these things to take place, and if your child, mate, partner, husband, girlfriend, whomever  goes above and beyond then whip out the cake and candles.