How children see themselves affects every aspect of their lives - Their behavior, beliefs, attitude, decisions, and overall personality.
The idea of "what they are" will develop without even realizing it, and there are many elements that help make it up.
Gender - Am I a boy or girl?
Age - How old am I?
Ethnicity - Culture and customs
Intelligence - Am I smart?
Looks - Am I attractive?
Athleticism - Am I Good at sports?
Religion - Ideals, beliefs, morals
Politics - Left, right, or middle
Music - What do I listen to?
There are too many traits to list them all. But what is important to take away, is how many different things contribute to making up our self-image.
Some traits are purely biological, some are acquired through mere exposure, and some are the result of deliberate choice.
But in the end, a child must have a positive self-image in order to live a happy and satisfying life.
In fact, even just one demeaning remark from a trusted caregiver, can foster low-self image throughout adulthood.
But wait...My kid thinks he's bad at sports, and he really is! Should I lie and tell him he's great at sports just to make sure he has a positive self-image?
There are ways to encourage a lack of ability. For example: "Sports can be very hard to master, but I know you can do it if you try!"
"But isnt that lie, what if I know they never will master it?"
It's much better to believe you are more than you really are, than believe that you are less than you really are... A child who is not yet a "lion" won't ever become one, if he thinks he can't!