A Review of Self-Esteem and Positive Reinforcement

By Kerin Bellak-Adams


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As children grow, they are under increasing pressure to learn more, to learn faster, and to keep up with ever-increasing competition. This pressure increases and is felt much more deeply when there is AD/HD involved. Thus, self-esteem has an even lesser chance to flourish. Children with AD/HD are often embarrassed at feeling and/or responding differently than their peers. Their "out of the box" thinking and acting can counteract any potential for feeling good. Add to the mix the stress of trying to keep up with others who may or may not have learning challenges-as well as the breakdown of the basic value of home life due to current divorce rates-and you have a situation that is not to be envied! Self-esteem must be the bedrock, not only for those with AD/HD but also for those who experience other learning challenges. According to Dr. Phelan, the author of Self-Esteem Revolutions in Children, there are four steps to boosting self-esteem; acknowledging strengths is the first step; doing positive acitivities with positive people is the second; the third is taking baby steps; and the fourth is the acknowledgement of the success! Gradually, self-esteem changes the attitudes of children, encouraging greater sensitivity to themselves and others! Letting satisfaction and contentment develop-both academically and socially-leads to the fulfilling of potential and to reaching levels of fulfillment from within. Through the boosting of self-esteem, children are motivated to further explore their self-interests and discover their unique strengths. This wonderful process starts with just highlighting the good! The joy is in the journey!

Kerin Bellak Adams is a certified coach, specializing in AD/HD. Her years of caring and experience with coaching families and professionals with AD/HD have brought her the recognition from such well known experts in the field of AD/HD such as Dr. Ed Hallowell, author of Driven to Distration and Nancy Ratey, author of The Disorganized Mind. Ms. Adams is the founder of ReachBeyondADD.com, a sought after speaker, and the new author of the first one of a kind workbooks; AD/HD Success! Solutions to Boosting Self-Esteem The Diary Method Ages 7-17.