In some cultures, childrens are often told they can achieve anything if they try hard enough. What are the advantages and disadvantages of giving children this message?

Many children often correlate putting in the effort with success, which is considered a normal message they receive in several cultures. Children are able to gradually build their confidence because of the support of external factors,

such

as their parents, friends, or teachers.

This

helps develop a mindset where they could "fake it until they make it".

Additionally

, they are able to practise standing tall in the face of failure.

Although

 having that innate sense of belief can help an individual tremendously, there are

also

certain disadvantages.

Firstly

, regardless of the amount of effort children have put in, they may be reluctant to accept failures. To illustrate

this

, a kid who was told that they were academically smart their whole lives, might experience a culture shock when they did not pass a test.

Secondly

,

this

false hope may lead to mental health issues,

such

as depression or anger issues because they failed to fulfil their expectations or what they thought they could achieve. Take,

for example

, they were inspired to become a pilot after a ride on a plane, causing parents to support their child's dream by enrolling them in a pilot school.

However

,

due to

their innocence, they have not been exposed yet to the rigorous education and training pilots have to go through to

finally

become acknowledged as a pilot.

Thus

, despite their efforts to persevere, these kids can feel like failures when they,

for instance

, get scolded for getting an aircraft-related question wrong. In conclusion, one's confidence may be boosted when other people believe in them.

However

,

this

belief, when not executed with self-awareness, may lead to detrimental health effects.