Published On: March 18th, 2015|

Times Colonist – Cindy E. Harnett

“All the expressions of love and praise in the world won’t build self-esteem in a girl like supporting her to overcome her fears and struggles, says American psychologist JoAnn Deak…Deak, 67, is an American educator and psychologist focused on helping children develop into confident and competent adults…Words of praise won’t build self-esteem like the “after-feeling” of accomplishment derived from conquering a fear, learning through trial and error and becoming competent at a difficult skill, she said…The trick in encouraging children to challenge themselves is to explain to them that their brains are like plastic and elastic muscles, and that they have the first 18 to 20 years of their life to stretch the parts that aren’t as strong as other parts, Deak said.”(more)