Your Child's Self-Esteem
Step-by-Step Guidelines for Raising Responsible, Productive, Happy Children
By: Dorothy Briggs
Step-by step guidelines for raising responsible, productive, happy children. Self-image is your child's most important characteristic. How to help create strong feelings of self-worth is the central challenge for every parent and teacher. The formula for how is spelled out in Your Child's Self-Esteem. A member of Phi Beta Kappa and other honoraries, Dorothy Corkille Briggs has worked as a teacher of both children and adults; dean of girls; school psychologist; and marriage, family and child counselor during the last twenty-five years. Since 1958 she has taught parent-education courses and training in communication and resolution of conflicts.
AI Overview
Overview of "Your Child's Self-Esteem" by Dorothy Briggs
Key Themes
Self-Esteem as the Foundation: The book emphasizes that a child's self-esteem is their most important characteristic. It argues that building a solid sense of self-worth is crucial for a child's overall development and happiness.
Parental Influence: The book provides step-by-step guidelines for parents to help their children develop a positive self-image. It emphasizes the importance of parental influence in shaping a child's self-esteem and behavior.
Identity and Self-Respect: The book views child development through the lens of a child's search for identity and self-respect. It suggests that understanding this process is essential for effective parenting.
Building Confidence: The book offers practical advice on how to build a child's confidence, which is seen as a key factor in their ability to tackle life's challenges with determination and resilience.
Plot Summary
The book is structured as a guide for parents, providing practical advice and step-by-step guidelines for raising responsible, productive, and happy children. It focuses on helping parents understand the importance of their child's self-esteem and how to foster it through their interactions and parenting style. The book covers various aspects of child development, including how to recognize and address issues related to self-esteem, and how to create an environment that supports a child's growth and well-being.
Critical Reception
Positive Reception:
- Impact on Parenting: Many readers have reported a significant positive impact on their parenting style and relationship with their children. The book has been credited with helping parents realize the importance of accepting their children for who they are and encouraging them to be themselves, which has led to increased confidence and happiness in children.
- Practical Advice: The book is praised for its practical and actionable advice, making it a valuable resource for parents seeking to improve their child's self-esteem.
Critical Points:
- Outdated Views: Some critics have noted that the book contains outdated views, particularly regarding discussions of homosexuality. However, many readers have suggested that these sections can be filtered through modern value systems to still be useful.
- Overemphasis on Upbringing: Some reviewers have pointed out that the author may have overemphasized the role of upbringing in shaping a child's character and behavior, potentially neglecting other factors that influence a child's development.
Overall, "Your Child's Self-Esteem" by Dorothy Briggs remains a significant and influential work in the field of child development and parenting, offering valuable insights and practical guidance for parents seeking to foster their child's self-esteem and overall well-being.