They need to be conscious that children see themselves as reflected in their parents' eyes. Jamie, a bright, good-looking young man, tearfully described to me how his father's approval had eluded him throughout his 20 years. His father's steady stream of criticism and scant kind words had bruised and battered his psyche until there was little left to his self-esteem. He is depressed, unmotivated and without any direction. He has already been in therapy for a long time and the road to emotional health seems long and arduous.
Children see themselves as reflected in their parents' eyes.
On the other hand, I was blessed with a father who contributed in every way possible to developing my positive self worth. Memories of overhearing my father speak glowingly of me to his friends during late night chats still warm me. Positive feedback offered to a child, either directly or indirectly, is essential to raising emotionally healthy children. Criticize sparingly and at the appropriate time. Wait until criticism can be heard effectively.