Some good thoughts from the Scream Free Institute about the phrase: “I’m so proud of you!” I haven’t heard many people talk about this, but I’ve always had my reservations about saying that with my children. I’ve been retraining myself to say, “I’m so pleased with you!” This comes from God’s expression of His Son Jesus, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” (Mt.3:17). Click here:
StevenBourque.com 
I have reservations about saying “You are so smart.” Instead my husband and I try to say, “You worked hard on that. You did well.” A take off on “well done good and faithful servant.”
I like that, thanks.