Don’t Define Me: Why Even Positive Labels May Affect Our Kids & Teens! by Lisa Lane Filholm

Parenting Opinion Teens
7 years ago

Don’t Define Me: Why Even Positive Labels May Affect Our Kids & Teens!

Adolescents – well into their 20s, I’m sorry to say – often may reject labels parents ascribe. Teenagers may rebel hardest against the positive labels we give, thinking we are bolstering self-esteem. 

  • the "bright" kid
  • the "brilliant musician"
  • the "prodigy" 
  • the “good” child 

Many kids, upon hitting puberty, cultivate some identity opposed to the one adults have created (think "professional" kids who rebel in the public eye, like Miley, Lindsay or Justin). What to do? Resist labels; free them from OUR expectations. Give kids space to breathe. Let them be. Let them define themselves.

Kim Kusiciel
This is great and it totally brings me back to middle school. Thank you @lisafilholm.
Mike Prochaska
Yes the trouble maker! Will cause trouble jisr by calling him the trouble maker

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