Self Esteem In Children In The US: A Common Worry Of Parents

Self Esteem In Childrenin The Us A Common Worry Of Parents Is Whether

Self-Esteem in Children In the US, a common worry of parents is whether their children have a high self-esteem. In the age of increased awareness of the ramifications of bullying behavior (physical, verbal, and relational-aggression), as well as increased competition, it is no wonder parents are concerned. Aleksandar is a coordinator of athletic programs for Centervale. In the past, parents have insisted on participation trophies for all kids playing sports between the ages of 5 and 11. There is currently a debate in Centervale regarding whether participation trophies for everyone should continue through middle school as well.

Some parents think it will help with self-esteem, while other parents recall never getting participation trophies when they were growing up and think losing can be a good lesson. Think about what you have learned in this module about physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development in middle childhood. What type of parenting style would lend itself well to creating a healthy self-esteem? Why? What would your recommendation be to the sports organizer who wonders if everyone should receive a trophy just for participating?

What arguments can be made on both sides of the debate? Remember to support your responses by citing your weekly readings from the online notes and the textbook. Write your initial response in 4–5 paragraphs. Support your statements with readings and research. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

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In the context of middle childhood development, self-esteem plays a crucial role in shaping a child's emotional well-being and social competence. Self-esteem refers to a person's overall sense of worth or personal value, which is significantly influenced by environmental factors such as parenting styles and social experiences. During middle childhood, children develop a more realistic self-concept, and their self-esteem becomes increasingly linked to their social interactions, academic achievements, and extracurricular activities (Berk, 2018). Consequently, cultivating healthy self-esteem during this period is essential, and parenting styles such as authoritative parenting tend to foster this development effectively by combining warmth, support, and appropriate boundaries (Baumrind, 1966). This style encourages children to develop resilience and a positive self-view based on their efforts and accomplishments, rather than external validation alone.

Regarding the debate over participation trophies, arguments on both sides are rooted in contrasting views of childhood development and self-esteem. Proponents of giving trophies to all children argue that such gestures promote a sense of belonging, increase motivation, and support self-esteem, especially for younger or less skilled children who might otherwise feel excluded or discouraged (Wolverson, 2019). They believe that positive reinforcement can foster a growth mindset, encouraging children to persevere and enjoy activities regardless of their skill level. Conversely, opponents contend that awarding everyone equally, regardless of actual performance, diminishes the value of effort and achievement. They argue that experiencing loss and disappointment teaches important life lessons about resilience, grit, and the importance of striving for personal improvement (Dweck, 2006).

From an developmental perspective, it is important to balance these perspectives by recognizing that children need to feel valued without losing sight of the importance of effort and perseverance. My recommendation to the sports organizer would be to adopt a nuanced approach: continue recognizing effort, sportsmanship, and attendance with certificates or awards, but reserve trophies for those who demonstrate skill, teamwork, or exceptional dedication. This approach aligns with authoritative parenting principles, which reinforce self-esteem while also teaching children the value of hard work and mastery (Steinberg, 2017). Overall, fostering a supportive environment that validates effort and encourages resilience can promote healthy self-esteem, equipping children with skills they will carry into adulthood.

In conclusion, the debate over participation trophies highlights the broader conversation about how best to support children's socioemotional development. A balanced approach that combines positive reinforcement with lessons about effort and resilience can help young children develop healthy self-esteem. Parenting styles like authoritative parenting create a foundation for this balanced development, emphasizing warmth, structure, and encouragement. By adopting policies that recognize effort and skill objectively, sports programs can nurture children's self-esteem in a way that promotes both confidence and resilience, preparing them for future challenges and opportunities.

References

• Berk, L. E. (2018). Development Through the Lifespan (7th ed.). Pearson.
• Baumrind, D. (1966). Effects of authoritative parental control on child behavior. Child Development, 37(4), 887-907.
• Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
• Steinberg, L. (2017). Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Wolverson, M. (2019). The impact of awards on children’s motivation and self-esteem. Journal of Youth Development, 14(2), 45-60.