Risking Dr.V Esteem

"Am I good, Am I better, Am I best? He tries to answer these questions: "Am I good, Am I better, Am I best? He tries to answer these questions by his actions. The child also becomes concerned with his identity. Am I like Mommy or Daddy? He asks, He fears that if he falls in esteem then he is out of control and not lovable...

As the infant first denies pain and later excuses his failure to control himself, the older child tries to pretend that reality is different from what he experiences..
" I am not afraid," or "You can't hurt me, " and put on a show of bravery...
It is hard to take a risk if you deny the threat or make excuses for failure. It is equally difficult to take a risk when you pretend not to care. You cannot adequately prepare for a risk when you pretend you aren't really interested in taking the risk, or that you are just along for the ride...