re: Fathers that always look at the negatives; never give praise

My father did both, but he was on the negative side the majority of time. I love him and appreciate all that he did for me as he was a great dad, but I realize now how I always sought to get his approval doing things to make him happy or satisfy his values. I felt like I was never good enough, and found myself shying away from challenges because I felt I was not good enough. Later on in life, my wife pointed out all the challenges I overcame, pursued, and accomplished which when I step back to think about it it was impressive.

I think a little dad negativity is good to keep the kid on their toes and not slack off, but if its the majority of the time its bad.