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The idea of a flawed self in terms of self-esteem
The idea of a flawed self is a concept that describes how some people have a negative view of themselves and their worth as a result of their experiences, beliefs, and interactions with others. A flawed self can affect children and young people’s self-esteem, which is the way they think and feel about themselves. self-esteem is important for mental health, as it influences how we cope with challenges, try new things, and believe in ourselves (YoungMinds, n.d.).
Children and young people can develop a flawed self for various reasons, such as being criticized harshly by their parents or caregivers, being overprotected or controlled by their parents or caregivers, being bullied or rejected by their peers, or having learning difficulties or disabilities that make them feel different or inadequate (Psychology Today, 2023; YoungMinds, n.d.; KidsHealth, n.d.; GreatSchools, n.d.). These factors can make children and young people feel unsure of themselves, unworthy of love and respect, and unable to handle problems or failures. They may also avoid joining in activities, let others treat them poorly, or give up easily (KidsHealth, n.d.).
To help children and young people overcome a flawed self and improve their self-esteem, parents and caregivers can provide support in various ways. They can communicate with their children in positive ways, such as praising their efforts and strengths, listening to their feelings and opinions, and encouraging them to express themselves. They can also help their children face challenges and obstacles, such as teaching them problem-solving skills, letting them make mistakes and learn from them, and exposing them to new experiences and opportunities. Moreover, they can model good self-esteem themselves, such as being kind to themselves, asking for help when needed, and having a positive outlook on life (YoungMinds, n.d.; Psychology Today, 2023).
References
GreatSchools. (n.d.). How can parents spot low self-esteem in their children? Retrieved from https://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/low-self-esteem-in-children/
KidsHealth. (n.d.). Your Child’s self-esteem (for Parents). Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/self-esteem.html
Psychology Today. (2023). When Parents Hurt Their Children’s self-esteem. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202307/when-parents-hurt-their-childrens-self-esteem
YoungMinds. (n.d.). Self-Esteem and Mental Health | Guide For Parents | YoungMinds. Retrieved from https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/self-esteem/
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