The difference between praise and encouragement is profound. Understanding the difference has significant impact on building our kids' self esteem. This article from the Blog : Understanding Teenagers explains this with clarity.
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Everyone
knows positive messages are important, especially for young people.
Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s
sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not
as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings
to your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t
always as obvious as you might think - See more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
Everyone
knows positive messages are important, especially for young people.
Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s
sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not
as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings
to your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t
always as obvious as you might think - See more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
Everyone
knows positive messages are important, especially for young people.
Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s
sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not
as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings
to your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t
always as obvious as you might think - See more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
Isn’t
encouragement just another word for praise? Unfortunately many parents
think the words are interchangeable and believe they are encouraging
their teen by given them praise. This is unfortunate because in many
cases praise will have a discouraging impact on a young person - See
more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
Everyone
knows positive messages are important, especially for young people.
Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s
sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not
as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings
to your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t
always as obvious as you might think. - See more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
Everyone
knows positive messages are important, especially for young people.
Clear, well timed messages of affirmation are vital for a young person’s
sense of self-worth and confidence. But some positive messages are not
as effective as others. Being able to translate your positive feelings
to your teenager in a manner that will make a lasting difference isn’t
always as obvious as you might think. - See more at:
http://understandingteenagers.com.au/blog/2012/08/what-every-teenager-needs-encouragement/#sthash.pxgEdxUT.dpuf
"Summer will be here before you know it and the one thing we have learned
over the years is that a summer contract is a game changer.
Kids need to know what is expected of them. Rules need to be signed off
on so that you don’t have to argue all summer. Put this summer contract
in place and if arguments arise refer to it. Make sure you offer tons of
positive reinforcement when they are getting it right!!"
More on the significance of self resiliency, confidence and self esteem! 
Kids and teens are often dismissive of praise from their parents. I am
sure that parents out there can relate to this, as we have been all been
told at one time or another by one or several of our kids, "stop it
mom" or even, "you're just saying that because you are my parent and you
have to say that." I can assure you, though, that they are listening.
They will probably not thank you for this praise until they are in their
twenties, but don't let that stop you from praising them during their
childhood and teen years. Just be careful how you praise them. A little
praise may go a long way -- especially if it is the right kind of
praise. 
5 tips for a better parent-teacher conference
How we praise and encourage our kids has a direct impact on their self esteem. In Chapter 9 in The Tool Box: The Glue, Self Esteem and self Confidence, we talk about praise.
"Cause and effect are fundamentally different from a child doing
something, and the parent (or school) giving them a "consequence."
That's not a consequence at all, but a punishment. The result of this is
that our children don't learn a valuable lesson. Instead, the result is
that they resent us. And resentment leads to further acting out on the
child's part." 
How we praise and encourage our kids has a direct impact on their self esteem. In Chapter 9 in The Tool Box: The Glue, Self Esteem and self Confidence, we talk about praise.