Anastasia Galanopoulos, PhD, instructor

This program examines the development of self-esteem in children's emotional growth and its role in fostering happy, self-reliant and resilient children. In recent decades, many educators and parents have focused on creating an atmosphere of general praise for children, even in the absence of true accomplishment. Such efforts to protect children's psyches can produce young people who are more self-centered and empathy-deficient, yet more stressed and less happy. This program reviews the latest research indicating the importance of early nurturance of self-control and self-discipline as better predictors of children's positive emotional health as they grow. It explores the importance of nature and nurture in the development of emotional well-being, focusing on the framing and re-framing of daily experience by involved adults as key to children's reflection on how well they are doing and feeling. It provides strategies for supporting children in identifying their talents and feeling successful, even in the midst of disappointment or failure.

Upon completion of the program the student will be able to:

• Define self-esteem.
• Define self-control and self-discipline in comparison to self-esteem.
• Identify the most important predictors of successful and happy children.
• Describe a "growth" mindset. Identify at least three strategies for nurturing the development of positive self-esteem.

Program Code: NSE3
3 CE Credits
Location: at MSPP, Newton

Anastasia Galanopoulos, PhD, holds a doctorate in Human Development and Family Studies. Dr. Galanopoulos has taught at Wheelock College and Pennsylvania State University and serves as adjunct faculty at Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology. She has over 15 years of professional experience working with educators and families, and specializes in facilitating workshops and support groups in both community and academic settings.She is the founder and principal of theparent coaching practice Parenting with Perspective and is the mother of three children.