My kids feel better about themselves then I did, and I’m happy about that.
My parents have never encouraged me or told me that I was doing anything well. It made me very distant fromt them, even to this day.
I congratulate my kids for things they do well - being nice, good maners, good grades, working hard, etc.
That's not what leads to the problems with too much self-esteem. Of course you're supposed to compliment kids for the things they do right. On the other hand, when they do something bad, you're supposed to discourage such behavior.
Many parents, unfortunately, are unwilling to do the second part. So, you have kids who are raised with the illusion that they can't do any wrong.