Field Guide to Families

A straightforward article, perhaps deceptively so, because it is full of content that is practical, feet-on-the-ground guidance. It kind of reflects this: "If you believe like I do that self-esteem is the result of actions ..." to which I couldn't agree more.
"Time is the currency of self-esteem." Totally agree.
"Building authentic self-esteem in a child takes a lot of time and energy ..." - I pick-up on this because it reflects one of my short-comings in that I can behave as a builder rather than a facilitator. In other words, rather than me building authentic self-estemm in another, perhaps it is better to see it as facilitating them in building their own. It's a small point but perhaps important in guiding your own behaviour. What do you think Lynne?

"better to see it as facilitating them in building their own"

Parents who are positive active role models, who create and maintain healthy boundaries are indeed facilitators of all kinds of learning. Thank you for making such a thoughtful comment. Lynne

"Real self-esteem consists of having accurate perceptions of your capabilities, your strengths and weaknesses." The key word here is accurate. Too often parents make their kids feel like they can literally do anything, when in reality that is not the case. Kids need to be encouraged and trained up by parents that are enhancing their childs actual skills. By not doing so kids have false self perception and it causes their self esteem to drop as they get older.
"And self-worth directs behavior like a compass." I feel like this is a line that should be on a plaque hanging on a wall! Children would be so much better off as adults if they entered the adult world with a good sense of self worth.

Great article!

This was an excellent article! I am not a parent yet but I can relate to this article very well becuase most of the things you suggested to do in here are what my parents did with me.

I am not going to say I have the highest self esteem in the world, but I do have a very solid self esteem and it is much higher than most of my friends.

One point that I loved was: "Respect—along with the love and support you express to your child--goes a much longer way toward shaping self-esteem than empty praise or harsh criticism."
My parents always made sure this was the case with me and I appreciate it so much now as a young adult. It's because of this I also have a better self perception and I could not be more thankful my parents practiced this with me.

Great article!!