creators.com web

Too Much Self-Esteem?

by Lenore Skenazy

Turns out children are feeling pretty good about themselves lately. Maybe a little too good.

A recent study by researchers at San Diego State University found that high-school seniors are bursting with more self-esteem than a generation or two ago. For example, in 1975, 49 percent of them believed that they would be successful at their jobs. Today 65 percent do.

Instilling that "world, here I come!" attitude is a great thing. Instilling baseless self-congratulation? Le ...

( Back to Article )

Join the Discussion

1 Comments | Post Comment
Posted by: Scot Penslar
Comment: #1
Mon Feb 2, 2009 8:26 PM

Ms. Skenazy: All I can say is "Hear, hear!" This sort of self-esteem nonsense has been going on since the touchy-feely '70s. It's a classic case of reasoning backwards, from effect to cause. Inflating a child's self-worth (or an adult's, for that matter) with meaningless praise won't make them perform better. It's the other way around: Your achievements, the things you do to improve yourself or to improve the lives of others, are what make you feel good about yourself. Even small children can understand that self-esteem isn't taught; it's earned.

Already have an account? Log in.
New Account  
Your Name:
Your E-mail:
Your Password:
Confirm Your Password:
Creators.com comments policy