It can creep up on you quickly and before you know it you are a victim of it. It’s that nagging feeling that of course you are not good enough and people will find out about you soon enough. It makes you feel vulnerable and not worthy. It is quite a nasty

Imposter syndrome can indeed be damaging, but parents can play a crucial role in helping their children recognize and cope with it.

Here are six ideas with examples for parents to teach their children about imposter syndrome:

Promote Self-Awareness:
Example: Ask your child about their feelings and experiences. Say, "Have you ever felt like you didn't belong or that you weren't good enough? It's okay to feel that way sometimes, and we can talk about it. Those feelings will trick you easily into believing you are just not good enough.”
Normalize Imperfection:
Example: Share your own experiences of self-doubt and how you overcame them. Say, "Even grown-ups sometimes feel like they don't know what they're doing, but we learn and improve as we go along." Talk about the time you had self-doubt and how you worked it through. What clever strategies did you use?
Highlight Effort and Growth:
Example: Praise your child for their hard work and efforts rather than just their achievements. Say, "I'm proud of how you worked on this project, even if the outcome wasn't perfect. You're learning and growing, and that's what matters." Talk about how the effort and the journey was a success in its own right.
Encourage Self-Compassion:
Example: Teach your child to be kind to themselves. Say, "It's okay to make mistakes. Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend when they make a mistake." Talk about how mistakes are part of the growth process and we all make them.
Set Realistic Expectations:
Example: Help your child set achievable goals and expectations. Say, "Let's set goals that challenge you but are still doable. That way, you'll feel more confident in reaching them." Be realistic about what is possible and celebrate as goals are reached.
Focus on Strengths and Talents:
Example: Encourage your child to recognise their strengths and talents. Say, "You have unique qualities that make you special. Let's talk about the things you're really good at and proud of." Focus on their personal strengths. The things that make them unique. Highlight how they make a difference.

By addressing imposter syndrome with these strategies and examples, parents can empower their children to develop a healthy self-image, embrace challenges, and build resilience in the face of self-doubt which can be particularly overpowered during adolescence.

‘Self-doubt can be destructive for our children. Keep massaging their sense of self-worth and reminding them how society is richer for having them.'
-Gail J Smith