There has been a lot of talk recently about the value of courses designed to raise a child’s self-esteem and I agree with the arguments that suggest some of these programs can be detrimental.
Not allowing kids to “fail” every now again deprives them of some very important lessons – lessons fundamental to creating success.
For example, true self-esteem grows from the knowledge that someone can achieve beyond their perceived limits. If there are no limits, there’s nothing to go beyond!
If nothing is defined as a challenge and everyone gets an award simply for participating, then we often lose out on the opportunity to discover our sense of honor and integrity.
Action – Developing strong self-esteem is important, at any age. So, whether with your child or yourself, focus on the attitudes and actions needed to consciously and intentionally grow and learn.
Self confidence is the best gift to be given to anyone but I agree that it is gained through being able to overcome our failures.
Our world has changed. It seems have raised our children wanting to protect them from everything in the world thereby not leaving them the opportunity to fail and learn from their mistakes. I notice a group of young people either have an entitlement mentality or a victim mentality. Neither will serve them well in their adult life
So true, failure motivates, participation does not.
Remember, “nothing succeeds like success”! I really connect with self-esteem derived from moving beyond perceived limits. Sometimes that means being thrown into the deep end, when if something is going to get done it’s going to have to be me who does it. I face the fear of failure and find creative solutions. Even if the final product has room for improvement, I’ve come out a winner.
Precisely!