Should you tell people they are special?

[chrisdiaz]

We dont use the word special anymore, the current acceptable term is Autistic.

 

[Fedorgasm]

We dont use the word special anymore, the current acceptable term is Autistic.

If it's a spectrum then everyone's on it. The only question is whether you're on the good end or the retarded one.

 

[I Am Legion]

Unless they truly are, absolutely not. ALWAYS let them know they are loved and they can work towards the things they want. But unless the kid really is special, all you do is set them up for failure. No little Tommy, you can't be President one day because you can't even sit still without eating your own boogers.

 

[Axe720]

I like the old "You're special and unique...just like everyone else." Encourage people who have talents to use them in such a way that they and others can benefit. Also help them understand they will have shortcomings and will need the talents of others to get by. It's all about how we fit into life's puzzle.

 

[Brampton_Boy]

I don't think we should tell everyone they are special, but we should tell people that they are all capable of being special.

People are capable of great things, but we are often unwilling to dedicate the time and effort to achieving it.

 

[Ballsaque]

In the US we have this habit of telling every child they're special. Which I guess wasn't too bad but now we even tell adults that, and it's not remotely true in most cases.

In Japan, at least a few decades ago, they would teach the opposite. That you're not special. Which makes them feel like they need to do more to fit in and behave in a way that benefits the group they're in.

What say you? Both have their advantages, but if you had to choose... Would you tell people they're special?

Definietly the first option.

 

[KeepingItReal]

Unless they truly are, absolutely not. ALWAYS let them know they are loved and they can work towards the things they want. But unless the kid really is special, all you do is set them up for failure. No little Tommy, you can't be President one day because you can't even sit still without eating your own boogers.

Stupidest shit I've heard today. Little Tommy is a child, that means he is in the process of growing. Why limit his growth by your stupid ideas about how a President should be in his childhood?

If Donald Trump can become president then it's safe to say not only restless booger eating Tommy can but almost anyone can.

 

[I Am Legion]

Stupidest shit I've heard today. Little Tommy is a child, that means he is in the process of growing. Why limit his growth by your stupid ideas about how a President should be in his childhood?

If Donald Trump can become president then it's safe to say not only restless booger eating Tommy can but almost anyone can.

How do you interpret "stupid" when you wake up every day in a state of "stupid". As soon as you mentioned Trump, you showed your hand. Not worth even debating. I have coached and taught and have raised 2 great kids. I know letting a kid feel they are loved and have value is way more important than lying to them about their "specialness".

 

[Fedorgasm]

I think the idea behind the Japanese way is that you don't tell them they're special until they earn it. It encourages them to be ambitious about achievement.

Whereas American kids just grow up thinking they're great when haven't done anything.

Like I've seen American teens that think they're too good to work at McDonald's and I'm like "motherfucker you've never had a job, never played sports, and your grades suck. What makes you think MacDonald is beneath you?"