Developing Self-Control and Self-Esteem in Disturbed Children

Abstract

The object of this paper is to define self-control and self-esteem and see how they are related. How self-control and self-esteem are developed normally in very young children is summarized, as are the repercussions of failure to develop self-control. Some preventive and therapeutic considerations are proposed when there has been a failure to develop self-control and selfesteem. It is concluded that self-control can be learned, and when it is learned it leads to increased self-confidence and self-esteem. Children with poor control are likely to be poorly adjusted to the adult world. This is because they continue to practise a demeanour which may have been necessary for their early survival but is inappropriate in later circumstances. There must be standards and procedures to ensure that self-esteem and self-control are reached gradually through such techhiques as behaviour modifications, discussions involving the whole community, smaller group and individual approaches, and other methods.