By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
Why would a child with a loving parent end up having low self-esteem? Why do some kids have a negative view of themselves even though we give them tons of positive feedback? Self-concept is partially due to inborn tendencies. Some of us are born very sensitive - sensitive to failure, judgment, hurt, rejection and more. This sensitivity can lead to a negative self-perception. "She didn't invite me; no one likes me." The same incident might not even be on the radar for a different child.
Because of inborn tendencies (which includes personality characteristics, temperament and mental health conditions), parents can't "give" a child self-esteem. What they CAN do is accept whatever the child feels. "It feels like no one likes you." Acceptance from you will help nurture self-acceptance and THIS nurtures some level of self-esteem.
