When kids say “I’m stupid”: How to rebuild confidence and self-esteem
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.” Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?
In It: Raising Kids Who Learn Differently
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Show Notes
As a parent, it’s heartbreaking to hear your child say “I’m stupid.”
Whether it comes after a tough day at school, a frustrating homework session, or a comment that hit the wrong nerve, that feeling can really stick. Dr. Kristin Carothers joins us to unpack where this kind of negative self-talk comes from. What’s happening beneath the surface? And how can adults respond in ways that build confidence — not pressure?
For more on this topic
- Opportunity Gap: Supporting confidence in kids
- How to rebuild self-esteem in the new school year
- What to say when kids are hard on themselves
Timestamps
(02:50) How parents can respond to negative self-talk
(06:08) What not to say to your child
(14:30) Modeling positive affirmations at home
For a transcript and more resources, visit the In It show page on Understood.org.
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