It will surprise few people that self-confident kids do better in school and in life than kids with low self-esteem. But, you may be surprised at how much higher their salaries will be in their careers later in life. Researchers from the University of Florida tracked 12 thousand teens for 23 years. They found that teens with the highest self-esteem made double and even triple the salaries of the kids with a lower self worth. Why?
Experts say kids with higher self-esteem are more ambitious and more confident. Mark Verbka, Senior Director of Programs, Foundation for the Junior Blind an attitude like this is helpful: "'I should be hired for this job. I am worthy of this job. I can succeed at this job. I can handle any trial that comes to me. I can handle someone who gives negative feedback.'" So how do you build confidence in the heart and mind of a child? Dr. William Damon, a Developmental Psychologist says "Honest feedback to a child, responsibility, high expectations, these are things that kids thrive on. They feel good about them. They feel good about themselves. And that's how to really build real self-esteem." Dan A. Sims, a Middle School Principal adds that "If we continue to teach kids that they can overcome their problems, that they can add to their knowledge base, then we're going to see a level of growth that's gonna become incredible. We'll see an intrinsic level of motivation developing. You know, when you get to the point where you're intrinsically motivated, there's not much you cannot do." That means excelling for yourself, not for someone else.
Experts say that one way to show kids they can do well is by showing them the success stories of people who have come from similar backgrounds and overcome the same obstacles.