https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 22 Apr 2026 10:28:28 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-when-your-lo-calls-themselves-stupid-or-dumb#post-2240124 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 11:16:48 +0000 Jess1483 2240124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd probably start with "what makes you say that?" and then try to follow that conversation around. I'd also point out that different people have different strengths. </p> <p>If he was struggling with math and said "I'm stupid." I'd probably say "I know math can be pretty tricky, but I'm so impressed that you don't give up when it gets hard. Mommy really struggled with writing in school, but I kept trying hard. It was never my best subject, but I learned a lot." </p> <p>I'd also just look for opportunities not in response to his comments to point out his effort and hard work, as well as areas he excels in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/what-to-do-when-your-lo-calls-themselves-stupid-or-dumb#post-2240119 Sun, 19 Jul 2015 11:06:01 +0000 mrbee 2240119@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>This is a recent phenomenon for my 5 year old. I've been trying not to counter with "you're smart" since everyone says you shouldn't say that... but sometimes "practice makes perfect" doesn't do the trick either. Should I just tough it out, or is there something more I could be saying or doing when he starts with the self criticism?</p> <p>What do you do when your LO calls themselves stupid? </p>