The mother whose self-image is dependent on her children places on those children the responsibility for her own identity, and her... involvement in the details of their lives can put great pressure on the children. A child suffers when everything he or she does is extremely important to a parent; this kind of over-involvement can turn even a small problem into a crisis.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
If we view our children as stupid, naughty, disturbed, or guilty of their misdeeds, they will learn to behold themselves as foolis...h, faulty, or shameful specimens of humanity. They will regard us as judges from whom they wish to hide, and they will interpret everything we say as further proof of their unworthiness. If we view them as innocent, or at least merely ignorant, they will gain understanding from their experiences, and they will continue to regard us as wise partners.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Whoever influences the child's life ought to try to give him a positive view of himself and of his world. The child's future happi...ness and his ability to cope with life and relate to others will depend on it.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Ecouraging a child means that one or more of the following critical life messages are coming through, either by word or by action:... I believe in you, I trust you, I know you can handle this, You are listened to, You are cared for, You are very important to me.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Let us be different in our homes. Let us realize that along with food, shelter, and clothing, we have another obligation to our ch...ildren, and that is to affirm their "rightness." The whole world will tell them what's wrong with them--out loud and often. Our job is to let our children know what's right about them.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Of course children benefit from positive feedback. But praise and rewards are not the only methods of reinforcement. More emphasis... should be place on appreciation--reinforcement related explicitly and directly to the content of the child's interest and efforts.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
Sometimes the children who are no problem to their parents should be looked at more closely. This is especially true if those chil...dren are extremely obedient and have few friends their own age. A good self-concept allows children to explore the world, risk engaging in conflict and failing. Children who play it safe by never disobeying or risking conflict may be telling you that they feel unqualified to face the world head-on.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »
A child's self-image is more like a scrapbook than a single snapshot. As the child matures, the number and variety of images in th...at scrapbook may be far more important than any individual picture pasted inside it.LESSATTRIBUTION DETAIL »