So it's not good to give your child compliments

I think every parent can relate when I say that you find everything your child does absolutely fantastic. Except when it comes to drawing on the walls with markers, of course, there are limits. But I have definitely shouted very loudly about how fantastic and clever every little craft project that was taken home, school photos, and football matches is. I think: in the outside world, he learns often enough that not everyone is always so enthusiastic about every move he makes. Apparently, it’s actually not good to compliment your child so much.

Research has shown that by giving too many compliments, you can create a narcissist. I think everyone knows that these are not the most pleasant people to have around, let alone that you have to help one through puberty. How does this work? Compliments are, in a sense, a judgment, and despite the fact that it is a positive judgment, it still causes children who receive many compliments to have a poorer self-image. They get the feeling that they are not doing well if they don’t receive compliments, which makes them less satisfied with themselves and can even lead to narcissism.

Of course, you also don’t want to come across as a mean parent who never says anything nice to their child. Fortunately, there is an alternative: love and enthusiasm don’t have to be shown only by saying that something is ‘good’ or ‘clever’, you can better celebrate your child’s perseverance or enthusiasm together.

Source: Volkskrant
Image: @kourtneykardash