Why Self-Love Starts in Childhood (And How Caregivers Shape It)
About this episode
Dr. Mona Amin discusses the importance of self-love and self-worth in childhood and how caregivers can shape these qualities.
In this solo episode, I reflect on a question that stopped me in my tracks: Why am I not worthy of my own love? Inspired by the passing of James Van Der Beek and a clip that deeply moved me, this conversation opens up a bigger discussion about self-love, self-worth, and how both begin taking shape in childhood. As a pediatrician and mom, I share why helping our children build a strong sense of worth may be one of the most important things we ever do. We talk about how unconditional love, emotional validation, secure attachment, and the way we speak to our kids, and ourselves, all shape the inner voice they carry for life. I also explore how comparison, shame, performance-based praise, and dismissed emotions can quietly chip away at self-worth over time. What I discuss: Why self-love and self-worth begin forming in childhood How unconditional love helps children feel secure and worthy The link between secure attachment and lifelong self-worth Why tying worth to grades, behavior, or achievement can backfire How dismissed emotions can shape a child’s inner voice The harm of comparison, and what to say instead Why kids learn self-love by watching how we treat ourselves Small ways…
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Mona Amin
Topics covered
- self-love
- self-worth
- childhood development
- parenting
- emotional validation
- secure attachment
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