Balance Praise and Criticism:
5 principles for building positive self-esteem in children
There is a danger in the pressure today to read, write and perform tasks not appropriate for age level and developmental stage. There is a pressure to exceed and to be “the best.” This pressure often overwhelms a child’s sense of competence. Teaching too early, “precocious learning” pays a price. The child is learning to perform because of his desire to please others rather than his inner curiosity, which is the best motivator.
5 principles for building positive self-esteem in children
- 1. If a child learns to please others he may not get the sense of having achieved it on his own.
- 2. Too much praise can overwhelm and become pressure rather than encouragement.
- 3. Criticism induces passivity rather than energy to solve problems.
- 4. Learn ways to nurture your child’s initiative and boost his self esteem with any new task. Encourage him but don’t shape or pressure him.
- 5. Let him try different ways to solve problems and have fun within boundaries of safety and respect to others.
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