The dynamics of self-worth, confidence, and acceptance are much more complicated than portrayed in the simple self-esteem models promoted by today's educators. Because self-esteem is both a product and a motivating force, we can't simply label it as an instructional objective or value to be inculcated in children, independent of their performance.…

Many children come to school without the essential loving backgrounds they need to learn effectively. Children's experiences in the first months and years of life determine how they will later manage their lives and how readily they will use opportunities for formal learning. Meeting infants' and toddlers' needs--providing a "heart…