Describe how child-rearing practices affect the development of self-esteem

What will be an ideal response?

Children whose parents use an authoritative child-rearing style feel especially good about themselves. Warm, positive parenting lets children know that they are accepted as competent and worthwhile. And firm but appropriate expectations, backed up with explanations, help them evaluate their own behavior against reasonable standards. Controlling parents—those who too often help or make decisions for their child—communicate a sense of inadequacy to children. Having parents who are repeatedly disapproving is also linked to low self-esteem. Children subjected to such parenting need constant reassurance, and many rely heavily on peers to affirm their self-worth—a risk factor for adjustment difficulties, including aggression and antisocial behavior. In contrast, indulgent parenting is correlated with unrealistically high self-esteem. These children tend to lash out at challenges to their overblown self-images and, thus, are also likely to be hostile and aggressive. The best way to foster a positive, secure self-image is to encourage children to strive for worthwhile goals. Over time, achievement fosters self-esteem, which contributes to further effort and gains in performance.