It doesn't have to be one extreme or the other, but to me being cheered means you have done something extremely well etc, and should only really be reserved for a special occasion. I wouldn't cheer my niece for everything she does, only for something she does well, so she gets that if I am cheering her, it was for something special etc.
I hope I'm trying to get across the point here. For example football fans cheer for a goal for their team, but not for every pass completed.