Positive Attitude Towards Oneself

Kristijan Musek Lešnik
Nov 15, 2025
2 min read

Every child comes into the world with potential — unique strengths, talents, and possibilities waiting to unfold. Whether that potential flourishes or fades often depends on one key factor: how they learn to see themselves.

“Self-worth is the soil where resilience grows.”

A positive attitude toward oneself means having a kind, realistic, and balanced view of who we are — our strengths and our limits alike. It’s not about inflated self-confidence, but about self-acceptance and self-belief grounded in effort, growth, and meaningful feedback.

When young people develop this healthy self-regard, they gain the courage to try, the confidence to learn, and the resilience to keep going.

Why It Matters

How young people feel about themselves shapes how they approach life. Those with positive self-esteem see challenges as opportunities to grow; those who doubt their abilities often hold back or give up too soon.

True confidence isn’t arrogance — it’s knowing I have value, even when I fail. Research is clear: self-esteem built in childhood strongly predicts well-being and mental health in adult life. When young people learn to believe in their own worth, they become more open to learning, connection, and joy.

The Role of Education

Schools and educators influence how young people answer one of life’s most important questions: “Am I good enough?”

Supporting a positive attitude toward oneself means:

Emphasizing effort, progress, and learning — not just results.
Giving specific, encouraging feedback based on real achievements.
Modelling self-compassion — showing that everyone makes mistakes and learns from them.
Helping each student discover and use their unique strengths.

When teachers nurture realistic self-confidence, they help students see themselves not through fear of failure, but through belief in growth.

Growing Self-Worth Through the Ages

Infancy (0–3 years): Trust and security form the roots of self-worth.

Teacher’s role: Offering warmth, predictability, and gentle care.

Preschool (4–6 years): Children discover “I can!” through curiosity and independence.

Teacher’s role: Encouraging initiative and celebrating persistence.

Early School (7–10 years): Comparison begins; confidence grows through competence.

Teacher’s role: Focusing on progress, highlighting strengths, and giving balanced feedback.

Tweens (11–13 years): Self-image and belonging become central.

Teacher’s role: Fostering acceptance and teaching realistic, kind self-talk.

Teens (14–18 years): Identity and values take shape.

Teacher’s role: Offering respect, trust, and opportunities for authentic contribution.

Impact for Students, Teachers, and Families

When young people see themselves as capable and worthy, they learn, relate, and dream differently. They gain confidence, motivation, and resilience.

Supporting a positive attitude toward oneself isn’t just about confidence — it’s about helping young people feel at home in their own skin, ready to grow and contribute.

Because when they believe they are enough, they begin to discover how much more they can become.