Robert S. Feld... The CASE of . .. the Failed Star 320 Jake Stoddard appeared to be a typical 10-year-old boy. He earned Bs in school, except in composition where he struggled to get his ideas on...

Extracted text: Robert S. Feld... The CASE of . .. the Failed Star 320 Jake Stoddard appeared to be a typical 10-year-old boy. He earned Bs in school, except in composition where he struggled to get his ideas on paper. He played trumpet in the school band and was the right fielder on his Little League team. Yes, Jake seemed an aver- age boy to everyone-except his parents. "You're a star, Jake. You're a winner," his parents reminded him daily. For his birthday, his dad had given him an expensive bat. “A pro deserves the best, Jake." But Jake knew he wasn't a star, no matter how many times his parents said so. And comparing himself to the other kids, he didn't feel like a winner. Until fourth grade, Jake had tried to succeed in school, but this year he had faced facts. Writing was tough for him. He would never be as good as his friends Mark and Beth. So why try? Though his batting was okay, his coach had already warned him about his fielding. "I like you, Jake, but if your fielding doesn't improve you may not make Little League next year," the Up 321 322 324 CHAPTER 11 Development of the Self coach said. Jake mumbled a thanks and wandered away. If he was lousy in the field, and couldn't bat like Tim or Will, maybe he should just give up the game. Then the music teacher pulled him aside. “Jake, I think maybe the trumpet isn't for you. Would you like to try another instrument?" Jake didn't try another instrument. Instead, he continued to carry the trumpet to school. He didn't want his parents to know their “star" had failed yet again. 2. Why doesn't Jake believe his parents when they say he's a star and a winner? How might they change their parenting style to promote genuine self-esteem in Jake? The C 323 3. How do you see Jake's self-concept affecting the decisions he makes? 4. What specific actions would you advise Jake to take that might change his self-concept and raise his self-esteem? 0C LOOKING BACK 1. How does Jake's comparing himself to other children reflect the development of self-concept in middle childhood? 324