You’re not stupid

Stupid is a stupid word.
 

If you don’t know something, you don’t know it. You’re not stupid because you don’t know it. You can learn it.

If you can’t work something out, you can’t work it out. You’re not stupid because you can’t work it out. You haven’t got the skill yet, or you haven’t figured it out yet, or there’s a missing piece that you don’t know yet.

If you make a mistake, you make a mistake. You’re not stupid because you make a mistake. You correct your mistake and move on.

 

On the other hand…

If you tell your child they’re stupid, you hurt them.

If you tell your child that what they do is stupid, you undermine them.

If you tell your child that what they think is stupid, you wear down their self-confidence.

And if you keep doing this, day after day, year after year, you break your child into a shadow of who they could be.

Who’s the stupid one, really?

DISCLAIMER
The information contained above is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this webpage are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this webpage. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this webpage. Sue Mahony PhD disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this webpage.

Sue Mahony PhD is gifted, autistic, and ADHD. She provides 1:1 specialist support for brains similar to her own, neurodiversity training, mentoring & coaching for organisations, and a wealth of articles on this website.

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