How self-love in kids can turn to selfishness

Not a matter of adults but a child's relationship, behaviour, happiness, and confidence are all determined by how they feel about themselves. However, if a kid is not taught the real essence of self-love, it can generously turn to severe matters of overthinking, dissatisfaction, selfishness and insecurity towards others. Hence, here are certain points about self-love and selfishness and what you need to teach your kid to be a positive and kindhearted individual.

Self-love is a form of honest unconditional love. It takes into account not just the aspects of ourselves that we are proud of, but also the side of ourselves that we at times hide due to insecurity, lack of imagination, sluggishness, or when we’re afraid of being judged inept or lacking skill in a certain area. In simple words, it recognises that both the positive and negative elements of ourselves are important in our development.

Selfishness, on the other hand, is subjective, and selfish people will have high expectations of themselves and others. Furthermore, without giving, one will always expect to receive. In this way, it is what one learns from others that affects one's actions and decisions. Selfishness also encompasses being cunning and controlling. Such people are generally afraid of losing control, and when they feel vulnerable and powerless, they plot and scheme to ensure that things go their way. Whether it's making excuses for their shortcomings or dragging past deeds over people's heads, selfish individuals will always be a victim to draw attention to themselves and obtain what they want.

School your kid that it is certainly okay to not get everything they desire for. Teach them to be composed and honest without slowing down themselves or condemning things they don’t have. Teach them to be satisfied and feel blessed for the results and things in life and however to reach greater heights is all about the matter of hard work and patience. It is very vital that your child understands that short term fulfilments only provide happiness for that instant only, while something that is gained by immense perseverance is respected throughout the lifetime.

Life is not always easy and pleasant. There are times when things are bad or not the way we want. However, the most important thing for your youngster is to maintain control and not feel vulnerable. They should be able to accept themselves and seek out new methods to grow from life's experiences as they occur.

Teach them that it’s an act of goodness and winning when one gives things to people who are less fortunate without expecting anything or any favour in return. This fact it's not a matter of materialistic things but also about love. Teach them to love friends and family unconditionally without always expecting something extravagant or special gifts from them.

By inculcating good values in your child in the form of stories, experiences and discussions, upskill them that when it’s a matter of self-love, it is prioritising well-being and happiness, and most importantly it is humble and self-effacing. Because it is fail-safe, stable, steady, sure, and invulnerable, self-love does not call attention to itself. Tell them that when a person is selfish, he or she develops unmet wants for care and attention, resulting in narcissistic characteristics.

Focus on the point that a selfish individual always perceives things through his or her own eyes, focusing on how they influence or do not affect them. Most of the time, selfish people are incapable of putting themselves in the shoes of others. It is vital to train your kid to understand others feelings and emotions to better develop good social behaviour.