For years, many parents have been making their children believe that they can do anything and become anyone they want in life. After all, Buddha states that “what you think, you become.” Though it’s important to have self-esteem, nowadays, parents are bringing up children who possess excess self-esteem AKA falling into the self-esteem trap. Question is, is this a good or a bad thing?
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT SELF-ESTEEM
Generally, kids who have been brought up believing that they are as capable as anyone else tend to have confidence in what they do hence are more likely to succeed in life. However, what parents fail to take into account is that praising a child’s capability or potential isn’t right. Comments like, “you’re so smart” are believed to make the child have a false-belief that they need not put extra effort in what they do for they are smart. The same is the case with making the child think that it’s okay to no care about what others say to/of them hence opt to refer to such critics as haters.
HOW TO NOT PUSH KIDS INTO A SELF-ESTEEM TRAP
The most ideal way of enhancing self esteem in your child is by praising and rewarding them not because of their capabilities but their hard work. At such a time, you can go ahead and comment on how smart they have proven to be. In addition to this, you need to encourage the child to work hard for nothing comes easy in life.
Also, don’t expose your child to too many freebies, like let them take part in competitions where everyone is rewarded and honored or, let them school in institutions that don’t grade students. Though such options have their advantages, it’s worth noting that a child is bound to work harder when they know who or what they are competing against.
BEST WAY OF BOOSTING A CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM
Of all the options available, the best way of boosting a child’s self-esteem is by encouraging them to explore their talents and find individuals whom they would like to emulate. This way, they will understand that everyone has a unique forte and that’s what should give them the self-esteem and confidence they deserve.
Also, teach them the proper ways of responding to criticism – both good and bad.
