Do you think that over praising a child's intelligence and natural talents can have an adverse effect?

Question

in regards to their self esteem?

Answer 1

Over praising? Not to self esteem but to their ability to realistically judge themselves. I'd praise effort when can't praise the result but wouldn't over do any of it. Just be realistic and supportive. Unconditional acceptance is a way to go, since this way your kid would feel that you accept and love him regardless of his abilities rather than thinking that you love him because he always does well. Not everyone will be that nice and he will feel that he is a failure in their eyes. So yeah in a way it can have negative influence on self-esteem i guess.

Answer 2

Nope : ) Depends in what way you do it, be fun rather than serious so that they don't get the message that they are better than everyone else and get a big head about it

Answer 3

Yeah, I do...  One example: My dad would go on and on and on about what a good softball player I was and how I threw so hard I hurt his hand, etc.  Then I get to high school and try out and I barely made the team playing right field and usually just sitting on the bench.  It was embarrassing and humbling.  

It's something I've had to work on overcoming all my adult life--to humble myself and not think highly of myself the way my dad seemed to.

Answer 4

Not at all. Children love praise. It is very good for their self esteem and makes them more confident.

I always felt very good when I got praise as a child. I still feel good when I get praise.

It may also make them feel motivated to keep up the good work because of all the praise. If a child is trying it's best at something and then no one praises the child and lets them know what a good job they're doing the child may give up on what they are doing.

Answer 5

Over praising....possibly.  It could give them a perfection complex.  My sister is very gifted in singing and is very beautiful.  My mom over praises her beauty and her singing talent and she is now bulimic in order to maintain her perfection image.  I'm surprised she can still sing, but it hasn't affected her voice yet.  

I believe you should nurture natural talents and intelligence, but be careful as to not let your child get too wrapped up in them.

Answer 6

I agree with another person here about praising too much if it's not sincere. Every parent wants to encourage their child and build up their self esteem, but if you are exaggerating their abilities you give your child a false sense. Praise them when they do something good, but don't lie to them to boost their self esteem

Answer 7

the short answer is yes but its better than no praise at all.

it leads to over confidence and behavior problems and worse things kids need balanced praise and criticism .

Answer 8

My little brother was overpraised a little to much. Now he goes around telling people off (even when he is wrong). He would say like i am smarted than you, i will be richer than you, i am better than you, so i am right. You are so dumb that you are wrong. i think its ok every once in a while. But to often. Cause the kid can have the same problem as my little brother. And believe me its bad. He is threatened at school, and even though i am in high school. I have little kids come up to me when i am hanging out with my friends, Saying stuff like your brother said he can beat me up, he is such a jerk, where is he, i want to fight him. Of course i talk to the kid. And make sure he is not gonna hurt my little brother, cause my brother can't even hurt a fly. But i think there is such thing as overpraising.  

Answer 9

Over all, yes.

My sister was praised a lot in regards to her intelligence. She is super smart and very bright.

But, it got to the point that she feels as if the only way she can connect to my parents is when she is making good grades....

You should really praise your child in more than one way....tell them how much you love them, even when they have not done anything spectacular! tell them how beautiful/handsome they are....

There is more than one way to praise a child!

Answer 10

No...I think it gives them self-confidence in their abilities.  Unless you witness an adverse affect such as bragging or getting cocky.  In which case you shouldn't stop praising them but maybe tone it down a little and have the "good sportsman" talk with them.

Good luck!