Question

Which of the following actions is desirable when attempting to raise children's self-esteem?

Option 1: Ignoring their achievements to avoid spoiling them.
Option 2: Providing constructive feedback and praise for their efforts.
Option 3: Discouraging them from trying new activities to prevent failure.
Option 4: Setting unrealistic expectations to challenge their limits.

Answer 1

To raise children's self-esteem, constructive feedback and praise for their efforts are recommended over ignoring achievements or setting unrealistic expectations. An authoritative parenting style and providing opportunities for success and expression are pivotal in nurturing self-belief and resilience.

Step-by-step explanation:

When attempting to raise children's self-esteem, it is desirable to provide constructive feedback and praise for their efforts. This approach encourages them to value their own hard work and perseverance, which are key factors in fostering a healthy self-concept. Studies have shown that children with positive reinforcement for their efforts develop more confidence, do better in school, and feel competent in their abilities. Ignoring their achievements, discouraging new activities, or setting unrealistic expectations can have the opposite effect, potentially damaging their self-esteem and belief in themselves.

Diana Baumrind's research identified the authoritative parenting style as the most effective for children's socioemotional growth in American society. This style involves setting reasonable demands and limits while being warm, affectionate, and responsive to children's needs. It fosters a nurturing environment that supports children's autonomy and initiative, which, according to Erikson, are crucial stages in their development.

Furthermore, involvement in a variety of activities and encouraging analytical conversation, as described by Gladwell, can also contribute to the development of self-esteem in children. Creating opportunities for children to express themselves and face challenges helps build resilience and confidence. Skinner's work also advises focusing on positive reinforcement rather than punishment to enforce good behavior and accomplishments, enhancing children's feelings of self-worth.

Answer 2

The most desirable action for raising children's self-esteem is providing constructive feedback and praise for their efforts. It supports the development of a positive self-concept during important developmental stages and aligns with authoritative parenting practices that foster a child's socioemotional growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

In attempting to raise children's self-esteem, the most desirable action is Option 2: Providing constructive feedback and praise for their efforts. This approach helps children develop a sense of competence and belief in their abilities, which is particularly important during the elementary school stage when they start comparing themselves with their peers. Experts such as Diana Baumrind and Erikson highlight the significance of this developmental phase, stressing the role of authoritative parenting, which involves reasonable demands, consistent limits, warmth, affection, and attentive listening to the child's perspective. Moreover, children's self-concept is influenced by their autonomy, which they begin to establish during the toddlerhood stage and continues to develop throughout their later stages of life.

On the other hand, ignoring their achievements, discouraging them from trying new activities, and setting unrealistic expectations can negatively impact their self-esteem. It is essential for parents, regardless of their socioeconomic background, to engage in practices that actively foster and encourage their child's talents, opinions, and skills, in line with the findings of Gladwell and Lareau. Such engagement contributes to their child's potential to surmount societal limitations and promotes a positive self-concept, leading to greater independence, confidence, and willingness to try new activities.