Don’t Label Your Kids

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By Dr James Dobson

Most of us remember childhood classmates who were saddled with nicknames like “loser” or “big ears” or “piggy”. These playful titles may take on a major significance in the life of a sensitive child.

Children often become their nicknames and perceive themselves to be as others see them.

Unfortunately, this phenomenon doesn’t occur only in the classroom or school yard; it happens at home too.

Parents who label their child a slow learner may, in fact, be reinforcing learning difficulties. Or worse, an impatient parent may blurt: “You’re stupid! You’re clumsy!”

In the mind of the child, these labels become truths which cannot be repressed or ignored.

Let me leave you with this thought which applies to us all: We are not who we think we are; we are not even who others think we are; we are who we think others think we are.

From TODAY, Voices – Monday, 17-Aug-2009

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