Respectful Parenting: Janet Lansbury Unruffled

I'm Bad, I'm Stupid—Kids Being Harsh on Themselves

15 snips
Jun 3, 2025
The podcast dives into the troubling trend of children engaging in harsh self-talk, questioning their self-worth with statements like 'I'm bad' or 'I hate myself.' It explores the roots of these feelings, whether stemming from perfectionism or low self-esteem. Practical strategies are offered to help parents foster a positive self-image in their kids, including the importance of creating a supportive environment for emotional expression. The discussion emphasizes empathetic responses and the necessity of giving children the emotional space to discover their self-acceptance.
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ADVICE

Pause Fixing; Embrace Acceptance

  • Stop trying to fix or do too much to make things better when your child is self-shaming.
  • Be open, curious, and accepting to really connect with your child where they are emotionally.
ADVICE

Minimize Unnecessary Corrections

  • Be a shame detective on yourself and minimize unnecessary corrections, like pointing out backward letters.
  • Focus on acceptance and giving your child emotional support rather than emphasizing minor mistakes.
ADVICE

Avoid Forced Positivity

  • Avoid asking your child to list positive things about themselves; it often feels forced and doesn't build confidence.
  • Instead, acknowledge their feelings directly and offer acceptance without trying to fix or spin their negativity.
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