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Research shows that low self-esteem is associated with depression in adolescents and lower achievement in school.  How can parents help their children to have a realistic amount of self-esteem?

One would think that it is obvious that children should have high self-esteem, but research shows otherwise. For example, a child told he is “so smart” when his ability is only average could, conceivably develop an unrealistically high opinion...

Michael is a neatnick. This is not bad. He keeps everything in order, can find whatever he needs, feels free of debris, and thinks more clearly because of it. His wife, Marcie, is a bit more, shall we say, free. She is not bound by rules of where to put things, how to think, or when to do what. This may not be bad, either. She is an artist and has exhibited at major galleries across the nation. She does have a bit of challenge getting supper...

I have found that when people hurt one another and they become exposed to healing ideas, their eyes are often opened to the pain they have caused others and themselves. They suddenly realize that they’ve been on the wrong course most of their lives. They feel crushed by this realization and are determined to work hard on themselves.

These are the people who can change from hurtful to helpful, from cruel to kind.

The key thing is...

Not too many years ago, psychologist Wendy Mogel wrote a book that became quite popular, The Blessing of A Skinned Knee. She’d been working with children who didn’t have a DSM diagnosis (thank God) but who were miserable and their parents were also miserable. She realized that, according to the famous phrase, if life gives you a lemon, then make lemonade.

In other words the bad things of this world are really clay in our hands...