This is not false modesty. It is concern that they can t live up to such high standards. Peter worries that the his punctuation isn t up to par. Rachel remembers when she didn t include a friend in a game. Yes, of course you can and should encourage the children, but don t generalize.
Children can accept a specific compliment but extravagant praise is uncomfortable.
It is too much to live up to. Kim, I really like the way your tiger is crouching. It takes a little more thought too. Rachel, I saw how you shared your dessert with Susan. This kind of encouragement will help them focus on what they did well.