Is self-esteem a gift from parents, or a reward?

Rafael Johns explores the parenting issue of how to dole out affirmation as an expression of unconditional love, and yet teach them that they must earn their self esteem in some arenas. "When I was young, no matter how many rewards my mother offered, I was too afraid of failing and being an embarrassment, to push myself. It has only been the realization that my mother will love me no matter what, that has spurned me to perform without fear of failure." Hear his perspective on Youth Radio.