OK, this might sound like I’m trying to buck the system, but aren’t you tired of hearing over and over again that your low self-esteem comes from your parents at a very early age?
Well, I would like to tell you that my parents were wonderful. They were the wind under my wings. They supported me with love and affection and the normal correction of behavior that all kids and young adults go through.
I was born prone to ear infections just like other children. However with a one in a million accident involving my eyes things got a little hard trying to read and write during the first several years of school. In fact, I was required to repeat the third grade.
Yet, my parents were supported, loving and giving me open options to grow. The problem with my inability to be “perfect” in spelling, singing or pronouncing certain words came from classmates. Even worse I was bullied as I entered into the adult arena of the work force and the men I dated.
Yes, our foundation as very young children is extremely important to how we view and handle our adult lives. But from my own experience, your lack of self-esteem can come from other areas enforced in your life other than your parents.
So, I want to give praise to all those parents who were loving, caring and supportive to their children. Just know that you did the best you could and that is worth saying thank you for. Now, it’s time for us to take over the responsibility as adults ourselves and do the best we can, including improving our own self-esteem.
In joy, Barbara
