Dear Sue,
Self esteem is a hazy
conceptConcept dha, but generally refers to the degree of positive regard that people hold about themselves. How we view ourselves is a product of many
factorsFactor ix complex. One of these, of course, particularly when people are young, is the
natureNature-throid
Natures tears of relationships with parents.
If parents have generally low positive regard for themselves, this will certainly influence the kinds of interactions they have with their children and the kinds of subtle forces that are brought to bear during the childhood years.
However, it is impossible to predict what will occur in future years, because people come in touch with many people other than their parents and it is the sum toll of people's experiences that determine their self-perceptions.
The main thing is to not go overboard with negativity. Parents who yell at their children for every little thing, make derisive comments, call their children stupid, etc. are the ones that are not helping the situation any.