"Let there be times when you don't tell someone everything you
know about her problem, even if your understanding of it is
better than hers." - Guy Finley "Self Esteem comes from feeling
capable in the world, as well as from being loved
unconditionally." - Ty and Linda Hatfield Ever notice how kids
don't really want to hear your solutions to their problems?
Teenagers, particularly, often react with downright hostility
when we give them our good advice. That's because they need to
see themselves as capable. Every time we tell our child how to
handle something, we're implying that he isn't competent enough
to figure it out for himself. We're undermining his confidence,
which erodes his self-esteem. I know, you thought you were being
helpful. And I do believe your advice is wise and would help
your child! But kids feel more capable when they get a chance to
figure things out for themselves. If you're like me, that means
you might have to bite your That doesn't mean you can't help
your child solve his problems. B