| Self-esteem
is not just some "new age" concept that somehow encourages kids to
not worry about whether they succeed in anything as long as they
like themselves. "Oh, it's OK Johnny that you flunked all of your
tests as long as you like yourself." That's nonsense. How children
and adults view themselves is very important. It plays a critical
role in how successful they will be, the quality of their
relationships and their own mental health. It's not just "how much"
they like themselves. It's about the criteria they use in
determining their own value.
Accomplishments are part of how people value themselves - "I
couldn't do this before and now I can." That's a powerful situation
and one that helps bring about self worth. However, if the only
criteria they focus on is outside of themselves, they are always at
the mercy of whether they succeed or not, or other people's
opinions.
That doesn't mean however that Johnny shouldn't understand that if
he keeps flunking his tests, his career path will involve a lot of
statements such as "Would you like that super-sized?"
"What do you think of you?" explores other issues that should be
part of the self-esteem equation. Issues such as integrity, and
kindness and patience and courage are all part of what should make
up a healthy sense of self.
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