Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness.

In healthy families, children discover (through being listened to) that what they have to say is important and that their experiences and ideas (and they themselves) have worth. They are encouraged to think for themselves, express opinions, and make decisions for themselves. Parents supporting them in standing on their own two feet and doing what they think is right. Trusting and gaining confidence in themselves, they develop an inner locus of control.

The Golden Rule of Parenting is; do unto your children as you wish your parents had done unto you!

Healthy parenting is nothing if not a process of empowerment. As we help to raise our children's self-esteem, we also increase their personal power. When we encourage them to be confident, self-reliant, self-directed, and responsible individuals, we are giving them power.

If you tell children they are bad, that's what they believe they are--and that's probably what they will become.

Self-esteem is as important to our well-being as legs are to a table. It is essential for physical and mental health and for happiness.

Conditional love is love that is turned off and on....Some parents only show their love after a child has done something that pleases them. "I love you, honey, for cleaning your room!" Children who think they need to earn love become people pleasers, or perfectionists. Those who are raised on conditional love never really feel loved.