Listen Up The Kids Are Talking

Our fourth series in Listen Up The Kids Are Talking is about kids' self esteem.  By complimenting a kid you will build self esteem.  The one thing that I have noticed in interviewing kids is their lack of self esteem.

They are insecure little people who need reassurance most days that they are OK.  The "professionals" say don't give too much praise when kids are growing up because they will expect it when the grow up and it is not there.  Do you like praise and compliments?  Of course you do and so do I.  Do we receive much praise and compliments - well, I find them scarce in my life.

Tweens, ages 8-12, do not have much reason to have self esteem when you think about them.  They  have their teeth falling out and growing new ones; they have pimples; they have scars, cuts and boo-boos and do not quite know what to do with their hair.  They can look in the mirror and see that the girls do not look at Hanna Montana and the boys do not look like one of those cute guys.  Physically, it is not a pleasant stage in their life to go through and self esteem is low.  Surveys have determined that the Tweens, because of their low self esteem are attracted to materialistic "stuff"....bright shining objects.  To take the attention off of themselves they pressure their parents, and grandparents, into buying them the latest cell phone, IPod, laptop computers, Wii, XBox and clothes/shoes. 

Why not make a kid feel good and give them a compliment or praise them in something special that they achieve.  By the way, don't make up phony praises - a kid can mark a phony ten miles out.  I don't think they will be spoiled and who knows you may even help them build their self-esteem.  And, as an adult find another adult and give them a compliment - it will make you happy and will make them happy.