Is Everyone Really Special?

A sign over a mirror in a public school reads, "You are now looking at the most special person in the world." The message is part of a program designed to build self-esteem in children, and there is no questioning the fact that some kids suffer from a lack of self-esteem. At times parents disparage the achievements of their kids—like, "Why can't you do as well in school as your sister?"  Or, "You're dumb," or "Get up, you lazy girl."  Or, "You'll never amount to anything when you do that sort of thing."