I learned a lot about self-esteem from the program at Hyde School. Part of it was the lesson that in order to grow positive self-esteem, it’s better to praise the effort instead of the child.
Do you know that praising your child can backfire? You’re probably trying to boost his self esteem, and make him feel better about himself. When you praise the child, however, you are filling him with your own hopes and desires about who you want him to be. He may also feel incapable of living up to that high standard. But the day will come when you can’t be by his side, assuring him that he is competent, strong and resilient. Then what? Who is he without all that?
Self-esteem is an inside job. It comes from doing good things and from picking yourself up when things don’t go well. You want to be praising the effort and the attitude behind the actions and naming what you see:
“You wanted to put off doing that assignment because writing is challenging, but you did it first and stuck with it. That’s real determination.”
“I saw how angry you were when your sister took your toy, but you didn’t hit her or yell. You asked for help and showed self-control.”
“You were uncomfortable with what your friends were doing. It took courage to stand up, say it, and walk away.”
Praise the effort, not the child. Watch your child blossom into the self-confident, independent person you know he can be.