Should we lie to our children to build their self esteem?

Today's Chuckle

Are we doing our children any favors by lying to them? Sure, they're all special, each and every one of them. But not all of them are gifted, not in that way.

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The officials may not be keeping score at youth sporting events, but you can bet the kids are. All these artificial methods we have crafted to boost our children's self esteem are not only not working, but also they may be backfiring. Watch an episode or two of American Idol or The X Factor. Sure, many people try out for talent competitions just to get their fifteen minutes of fame, however many appear to be honestly surprised when someone tells them that they don't have any talent. Are they such good actors that they can emote extreme heartbreak when they fail to win a ticket to the big show? Then again, if they are such good actors, they may simply be trying out for the wrong competition.

I suppose that none of these examples can match the Nobel committee awarding a Peace Prize in anticipation of someone earning it.