Title: Building a Positive Self-Concept – Rebecca Eanes
Headings: Building a Positive Self-Concept
Building a Positive Self-Concept
Content: In fact, children with positive self-concepts who experience failure can accept mistakes or weaknesses because they know they are overall competent. COMPETENCE = CONFIDENCE
Parents sometimes think they must point out mistakes and often correct the child in order to make her competent. This is dangerously false. Constant criticism erodes self-confidence as you’re always pointing out their failures and weaknesses. When you emphasize what your children do right, however, children will feel good about themselves and continue to strive to meet that positive self-concept. Giving your child opportunities to do things for himself will help him to develop that ‘can-do’ attitude. Allowing him to dress himself (no matter how mismatched or odd his choices are), putting things within his reach, such as his plates and utensils in a low drawer, handy snack packs on a low shelf in the refrigerator, clothes hanging on a low rack so that he may choose for himself, and step stools so he may reach the sink himself, will all help aid in making him fee competent, and therefore, confident. Allowing him the freedom to try and climb the tree or ride the bike without training wheels will also help him discover his abilities. Hovering parents inhibit competence in young children. Have faith in their abilities while remaining close by to offer assistance if they ask.