Many children decide early on whether they are “good at school” or not, and that belief can shape their entire academic journey. When a pupil compares their performance to others in class and falls short, they may quietly begin to think, “I’m just not smart enough.”

That insight comes from Dr Ronald Stolberg, a clinical psychologist and professor at the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego. His research explores how parents and teachers can strengthen a child’s academic self-concept—the internal sense of being capable, curious, and competent in school.

Stolberg says this sense of identity forms long before exam marks or report cards arrive. “One of the best ways to help children develop a positive academic self-concept is to focus on their achievements as a whole, rather than just grades,” he explains. He recommends that parents praise effort, creativity, and persistence. Comments like “You work so hard on your assignments” or “Your writing is so creative” reinforce growth instead of perfection.

He warns that when adults focus only on outcomes, children begin to define themselves by marks rather than by motivation. Over time, that narrow lens erodes confidence and curiosity. Instead, Stolberg encourages families to treat challenges as chances to learn, helping children see effort as a path to improvement rather than proof of failure.

A strong academic self-concept, he argues, predicts not only higher performance but greater resilience. When children believe they are capable learners, they become less afraid of mistakes and more open to growth.