Conversations With Kids: Imposter Syndrome

Improves:

• Confidence

• Resilience

Directions for Parents:

Imposter syndrome is an internal experience of believing that you are not as competent as others perceive you to be, as if you are a fraud. Many children struggle with this due to a lack of positive reinforcement and praise and the pressures placed on them today. I’d encourage you to talk with your children about their thoughts and feelings in relation to whether they are challenged enough or too much and if they feel supported and encouraged.

Ideas for Kids:

1. In my life I sometimes thought that I was not good enough at ……….. but now I realise it was just the chimp sitting on my shoulder telling me. It wasn’t real. Can you tell me about times when your chimp tells you that you aren’t good enough at a skill or a task?
2. When you worry about not being good at something what happens?
3. When I don’t interfere and coach you and simply show you love and support how does it make you feel?