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.