Self-Esteem Means Child Has Survived

I am writing in response to Kristina Sauerwein’s article in today’s paper, “The Spoils of Self-Esteem” (Dec. 14).

To equate “self-esteem” with “self-centeredness” is to miss the point. People who have a deep sense of self-worth are able to appreciate the points of view of others, to have compassion and to function as caring members of societies.

What was left out of the article is that raising a child with a high sense of self-esteem requires that the child experience adversity.

He or she must experience disappointment, must experience real consequences to actions, in a community or family that will support the child through these experiences.

It is when a child experiences adversity and survives, that she digs deeply into herself: “I did it. I am strong.”

WENDY ZACUTO

Teacher, Wildwood School

Los Angeles

*

* Letters should be brief and must include the writer’s name, address and phone number. No pseudonyms may be used. Letters are subject to editing and condensation. Mention date of publication when referring to a specific article. Mail to Letters in Life & Style, Los Angeles Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053. Letters may also be faxed: (213) 237-7630.