“Tell the Child Who He Is”

by Dr. Larry Morris

Someone recently asked me, "What should a parent tell a young child to build self-esteem?" We can tell our child that he or she is a unique gift to this life. He is unlike anyone who has ever been before or ever will be again. The combination of circumstances and events that have made up this particular child are different and completely unique. This child is a child of God, the universe and this earth. She is a universal citizen free to find and express her particular, unique gift to this life. This child is entitled to all the love, joy and creativity that he can give and receive from this life. We parents are here to recognize, affirm and support the unique creation that God has brought forth into our lives through us. We can tell our child how thankful we are that he or she is sharing this life with us.