> Before the age of understanding: "In our house, instead of saying, 'you're really smart,' we say, 'you practiced a lot.'" Why not "you are smart because you

> Before the age of understanding: "In our house, instead of saying, 'you're really smart,' we say, 'you practiced a lot.'" Why not "you are smart because you practiced a lot"? Wouldn't that encourage practicing? I would follow with how you aren't just smart, but smart in some areas, and the more you practice in those (and other areas) the more smart you'll become.