THE COMEBACK:

SHUT UP! SHUT UUUPP!

I DON’T SHUT UP. I GREW UP AND WHEN I LOOKED AT YOU I THREW UP

THE MESSAGE:

Self-esteem is the value we place on ourselves. It is the feeling we have about all the things we see ourselves to be. It is the knowledge that we are lovable, capable, and unique. Both adults and children benefit from good relationships, experiences and positive thinking. Many of the steps necessary for building a child's self-esteem can also help us in developing and maintaining our own self-esteem.

It is never too early to consider children’s mental health. Parents play a crucial role in guiding the development of a child’s self-confidence, emotional strength and balance; however, it is not an easy task. Parents can’t always recall how they felt and thought when they were children. Some parents are cursed with the memory of an unhappy or even ‘tortured’ childhood.

TONY TODAY:

A child is totally vulnerable. A baby is born with the trust that he will be well cared for. That care will decide his future ability to develop ‘self-esteem’. Every child starts out with a high level of self-esteem. I think that children believe they can become anything they want and achieve anything to which they aspire.

Self-esteem is not inherited or developed by receiving undeserved praise or handouts. Today these mistakes are generally referred to and emphasized as entitlements. Self-esteem must come from the result of real achievement and the knowledge that you did it by your own self. Our school systems don’t seem to understand this concept when they institute a ‘Don’t fail a child or give him a zero for failure to hand in assignments’ policy. I believe this is a short-sighted policy. At home It may be necessary to help a child with a ‘Science Fair’ project; however, just don’t do most of the work for them. No parents want to see their child fail or be cut from a team; however, some of the best lessons in life come from a real understanding on the child’s part, that ‘I just didn’t do my best; I will try harder and prepare more next time.

Trial and Error Learning is valuable. Self-esteem develops from the knowledge that failures along the way have consequences; however, this does not mean that love is withheld. A child needs to learn how to handle successes and failure equally well. Humility and Self-esteem go hand in hand.

THE MUSIC:

Glen Campbell - Gentle on My Mind

THE STUFF:

If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again. Learn from your failure and don’t make the same mistakes ever again.

THE PUN:

Why do ducks have feathers? To cover their butt quacks!

THE QUESTION:

Is there anything more precious than innocent children? Is there anything more rewarding than watching a child grow into an independent, successful adult?

THE LEMON: