Question: There is all this talk about building self-esteem in kids, but can’t that backfire? In other words, can children have “too much” self-esteem and what might that do? <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
 
Our awareness of “self” is held in relation to the “world” in which we operate, and how we perceive our experiences. Someone who experiences life from within a “malevolent universe” is organized around what is limiting. Responding defensively, he may believe he is helpless to effect change or produce desired outcomes. For example, a child may believe he is incapable of hitting a baseball, being accepted by other kids, or gaining approval from a parent.  What he wants and what he expects will happen, rarely match, as he allows the external world to determine “who he is”; thus, the idea of “low self-esteem.”  Not very healthy.
 
In contrast, someone may experience life from within a “benevolent universe,” filled with infinite choices and possibilities. What he desires and expects to occur, often match, evident of higher self-esteem. Building a child’s self esteem amounts to helping him shift his orientation to a healthy positive frame organized– within his body and behavior– around what is possible rather than limiting. Sorting for “what works”, he can then move outward into the external world from his “center”, creating the perception he has of that world and positively influencing the perception others have of him as well. So, regarding the question, can someone have “too much” health?