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Self-Respect is a quality of character, the result of training. It is derived from the fact that we were created in the image of God. An individual needs to develop self-respect, and this must begin early in a child. It is produced out of feeling wanted, accepted, and loved by a child's parents simply for being himself. God loved us not because we are good or bad, or because we do what pleases Him, but simply because He has willed to love us. When a child is accepted and loved it helps him overcome the fear of failing on the one hand and the necessity to do things just to be accepted on the other. The proper self-respect is developed by example and by precept. The child must have people over him who can be respected and must be taught what behavior and attitudes are acceptable.
Self-Image (another name for pride) is developed by heaping underserved and unearned praise on upon a child. Effort that is not up what should be expected from a child and is not worthy of the ability of the child should not be recognized as if it were a superior product. Encouragement and additional instruction may well be in order; however, undue approval is certainly not beneficial in improving the child's personality. With time the child may grow up with an inflated ego. His self-image may be very good, but a proud hypocrite is what will have been produced. |