self esteem

High Self-Esteem Linked to Child Behavior Problems

There have been numerous studies at various colleges around the country on how high or low self-esteem effects the way children learn, how they act or respond when presented with certain situations, and whether or not having high self-esteem causes children to perform better academically. Studies conducted by two psychologists in Iowa and Ohio indicates that having a magnified sense of worth can actually be the cause for a multitude of child behavior problems. These results contradict our cultures previous belief that having a high self-image is basically the answer for all problems, including child discipline. In the past, educators and parents claimed if a child had a strong sense of worth and confidence, then their chances of smoking, using drugs or engaging in sex at an early age were decreased. The more recent studies indicate that this is not the reality, and that child behavior problems, child discipline, and how a child learns- are all related in some way to the confidence a child has over his or her own abilities. Having too much confidence can cause aggressive or even violent behavior, when someone else questions, or criticizes them.

Teaching children to be proud of their accomplishments and to always try their best is important to developing their sense of self worth, but when we give them the idea that they can do no wrong, or that they are simply superior to everyone else, we are doing more damage to their self-esteem than we are helping them. Child behavior problems and child discipline issues can result from children who have been taught to think they are better than the others- and they may act out as a result of that not being the truth. A child won’t always be the top scorer in a sports event, won’t always receive perfect grades, and when they are not the best in an activity, their behavior may not be acceptable as they do not know how to deal with these conflicting views of themselves. If you think your child has an exaggerated view of him or herself, consider using behavior charts to modify how the child reacts to situations. Creating an acceptable self-image will improve your child’s behavior.