H is not much of a complimenter, but he does expect them—and I should give him more. Model that behavior.
My mom loves to hear about everyone’s achievements and is effusive with praise, laughter, whatever is called for. I try to be like her. When she is gone, I am not sure who I will be able to brag to!
My dad was not as good with praise, but didn’t undercut us either. He just didn’t react. I could come home and tell him some amazing thing and he would just say “that’s nice.”
Okay, one child is like my mom and likes to hear everyone’s stories and reacts with enthusiasm. He will also unbidden offer praise when you are just stating facts, if he finds them praise worthy. He is my high emotional IQ kid.
Other kid likes praise, but doesn’t give it as often, at least not in words. I can tell from how he acts what he thinks, though. He will remember and call up some little story much later, for example, or want to join me and see something I have bragged about.