Parenting
The Problem With Telling Children They Are Smart
Parents often tell their children they're smart—wanting to boost confidence and self-esteem. However, research on child development shows that ability...
5 min read
7 articles found
Parenting
How Self-Perception Changes After Having a Child
You look in the mirror and a parent looks back. Your body is different. Your face might look more tired. Your priorities are different. The person you...
6 min read
Family Life
Why Comparing Children Increases Tension
It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing children, especially within the same family. "Your sister is already sleeping through the night" or "Your...
4 min read
Daycare
Why Comparing Children Makes Problems Worse
When children have difficulties at daycare — social conflicts, behavioural challenges, or developmental differences — comparison to other children is...
2 min read
Parenting
Building Self-Esteem in Young Children: What Actually Works
The self-esteem industry has done children few favours. The generation raised on trophy-for-everyone participation awards and "you're so special" prai...
5 min read
Emotions
Building Resilience: How Children Develop Positive Self-Talk
Children's inner voices form largely unseen by parents. The child who, after making a mistake, says to themselves "I'm so stupid, I always get things...
5 min read
Emotions
Building a Healthy Body Image in Children
Body image concerns are not a teenage problem. They start earlier than most parents expect, in primary school and sometimes in preschool, shaped by a...
5 min read