I don’t think I’m unusual. It is some thing I’ve noticed a lot of people, particularly women, find difficult.

The problem is that a lack of ability to graciously accept a compliment impacts on our self-esteem and relationships. In a world where self-doubt and criticism are so prevalent, learning to accept compliments can be a transformative practice that enhances our well-being and helps develop our relationships with others.

Accepting compliments helps us to acknowledge our own value. When someone offers a genuine compliment, it tells us about the positives other people see in us. Accepting the compliment supports us to recognise those qualities within ourselves and build a healthier self-image.

It helps counteract the negative self-talk that often plagues us and reinforces a more positive and confident mindset. Yes I’m talking about the importance of mindset again!!!

Additionally, the ability to receive compliments with grace encourages a culture of kindness and positivity. Compliments uplift and inspire others. When we accept compliments, we contribute to a culture of positivity and encouragement.

And what happens when our lack of ability to accept compliments is so ingrained that we can’t accept compliments on behalf of our children?

This is something I struggled with, particularly in my daughters’ early years. It’s one thing that I would love to be able to go back and change (if only I had a time machine or a magic wand).

If someone told me she was beautiful I would say deflect with some comment about her tantrums or behaviour. If someone complimented her behaviour I would again deflect it.

I don’t think I’m unusual in this either. I hear this sort of comment a lot. But what does it do to the child’s self esteem or self-talk to be regularly hearing positives about them dismissed in favour of negatives?

And you are your child’s greatest role model. When they hear you regularly dismissing compliments about yourself this is what they will learn to do too. So if you can’t learn to take compliments for your own benefit do it for your children’s benefit.

It isn’t as hard as it sounds either. I have a friend who great at taking compliments. She makes it look really easy, a big wide smile, genuine gratitude and a simple thank you is all it takes.

To find out more about how NLP techniques can help shift your child’s mindset give me a call or send me a message.