Pop Quiz: What is the proper role of adults in trying to build and maintain healthy self-esteem?
I am not a fan of the focus on self-esteem. I think self-confidence and self-respect are more important, and there are better than praising every little thing a child does.
I saw this bumper sticker the other day and I had two reactions—which was why I wanted to share it with all of you.
First, I laughed. And, as I write this now, I’m chuckling again.
Next, however, I started to think more deeply, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.
There is a lot here to unpack and think about, specifically regarding the way we celebrate our children’s accomplishments and the whole idea of self-esteem.
What sorts of things ought we celebrate? When and how? And, what is the proper format for that?
When is it too much?
When I was growing up in the 70s and 80s, no one cared about our self-esteem. I mean, our parents wanted us to be confident and that sort of thing1. But society was not ordered around it as a desirable and important goal the way it is now. Heaven knows most of my teachers didn’t seem to see it as a big imperative.
Thank goodness! I believe this was such a gift for me.