In the "good old days" children were seen and not heard. In the "good old days" not every kid got a trophy. In the "good old days" if a child acted up in class they were paddled. In the "good old days" --- fill in the blank.
There have been so many approaches to child self-esteem over the years. We hear that the generation before us was never coddled, had to work to earn praise and they were "better" for it.
We all know that isn't exactly true.
But we still do wonder...what about the "every kid gets a trophy" thing?
How do we celebrate a child, indeed, how do we celebrate one another without giving someone a "big head?"
At the same time though, do you really know any child, or adult who loves him, her, themselves TOO much?
We fear that our children will feel "entitled." But isn't every child, every human being entitled?
Entitled to love? Entitled to safety? Entitled to respect?
Maybe the problem is not that children, that we feel TOO "entitled", it is that we don't feel entitled ENOUGH to claim the things that are ours.
If human beings
KNOW that they are entitled to love, safety, respect, food, medical care, education, shelter, just because they are a person, then it stands to reason they will believe that EVERY person deserves the same.
Loving your child, assuring your child that they are incredible just as they are, will help them understand that ALL children, ALL people are incredible, just as they are.
Perhaps that is the best way to build a more compassionate world. Perhaps that is the best way to continue to find "better ways" of loving one another and all of creation.
Thank you for being the caring, compassionate people you are and raising your children to be your legacy of love.
Here are some great articles and book lists you might want to consider.
NAEYC Embracing Children of Promise
NAEYC article on supporting social and emotional growth
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