I guess he only said what she needed to hear because if he'd said anything else, she'd have not been able to cope.
My dad would not have said I'd made him proud, because he wouldn't have been proud of that behaviour. He'd have said he was disappointed to see me smoking, and pointed out the health risks first. Then given fairly gentle advice along the lines of what Steph's dad said about her behaviour with Jeremy, then pointed out that I was using language he'd prefer not to hear. He'd have done all this in a quiet caring tone which would communicate just as much love as Steph's dad's did. I have never doubted in any second of my life that I wasn't utterly loved by my father - he's been there for me every day of my life.
Is my dad a better parent? I'm not sure - I was an artistically gifted child myself, but I never got unqualified praise or approval.. Nothing - even when I won top place in a national event - was good enough. My dad didn't want me to get big-headed.
Yes - my parents brought me up to be a non-smoking, polite, considerate, ultra-responsible, law-abiding, independent adult, but I wouldn't have been in that house because I wouldn't have had the courage. I have always refused to set foot on a stage or even perform in public. The creative/artistic flower is easily crushed, I think.