16/06/2026
As a psychotherapist, I often talk about how self-esteem is built in the small moments of childhood.
Today I read my granddaughter’s first school report, and I was struck by the extraordinary power of a teacher’s words.
A child who hears that they are kind, caring, capable, imaginative, compassionate and a joy to teach is receiving so much more than academic feedback. They are being given a mirror that reflects their strengths, their worth and their potential.
Children often grow into the stories they are told about themselves.
Words matter. Encouragement matters. Being truly seen matters.
Not every child will remember every lesson they were taught, but many will remember how a teacher made them feel. A teacher who notices kindness, curiosity, effort and character can have a lifelong impact on a child’s confidence and sense of self.
Every child deserves to have adults in their lives who help them believe:
“I am valued. I am capable. I matter.”
To the wonderful teachers like Ms Behan who nurture not just minds but hearts – thank you. The world needs more of you. ❤️
And to our gorgeous Pippa, never let anyone dull your spark and to her Mammy, great job x
