Complexes are not only common in adolescence.
“Mommy, a classmate says I’m a dwarf, that I look like a year old…”. This type of comments that seem to be of no great importance can trigger complexes in children, so it is important to pay attention to what they tell us.
Despite what many may think, complexes are not only common in adolescence, infants, who should be living a stage of innocence, may sometimes also be going through this stressful situation, as they are already able to assess the reactions of others towards them.
"From the age of 6, children begin to know themselves more completely, thus developing their self-esteem. After this age they can compare themselves with themselves and with others, interpersonal relationships with their peers become more important and they begin to perceive themselves positively or negatively", explains the Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist.
The specialist explained that everything starts due to their different environments and how they influence each child, the most important being the family.
"It is considered that up to 8 years old, parents are the ones who project 90% of the behaviors by example, so if mom, dad, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., do not show respect, do not value, speak in a derogatory manner towards others or the child himself, the child will be affected and will eventually be a person who may show signs of low self-esteem and low self-esteem. The school environment or any other environment where the child is involved can also have an influence".
As in adolescence, the most frequent complexes are usually related to social, academic and physical issues. For example, some children may physically compare themselves to each other in weight, height, hair, etc. Others may be afraid of school failure, since parents tend to demand certain grades and when they do not meet them, they may develop guilt, perhaps ending up with an inferiority complex.
Similarly, some children may be afraid of interacting with others their age, afraid of what others will think of them or of being rejected.
This situation affects children psychologically, and according to the psychologist Fernandez, this can influence their self-concept, self-esteem and decision making, generating violent behavior, depressive states, shyness, among others.
If you think your son or daughter is going through a complex, the psychologist at the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (
HOMS
) recommends first identifying the causes of the complex and then helping the child to accept his or her strengths and weaknesses by talking openly about it.
Fernandez listed some of the things that could help the child, among them: look for his positive qualities and strengths with him, repeat them constantly, avoid comparisons between him and others, try to praise him on different occasions, and do not ignore his defects and make him see them for what they are, a reality. By identifying them, they can be worked on and improved.
"If even using these tips is not able to improve the child's complex, they can always go to a therapist specialized in accompanying children and adolescents to have a better result in managing self-esteem and self-concept," he recommended.
Media Link:
Complexes are not only common in adolescence – El Nacional
Doctor: Stephany Fernández Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychologist at Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago (HOMS)
