Parents in Kane County and around the world raise their children to believe they can do anything they want to do in life if they simply believe in themselves and work hard.

David Rudek (CREDIT: Aurora University)

But an Aurora University psychology professor who specializes in early child development says that long-held belief can actually be damaging many of today’s kids.

That’s the topic of a free lecture open to the public at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, at the Perry Theatre, located in the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Center for Cultural Enrichment on the Aurora University campus at 349 S. Gladstone Ave., Aurora.

In “Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect: Being Liberated by Knowing Children’s Limits,” David Rudek says parents who tell their kids they can do anything — without consideration of their actual talents and abilities — might be setting up their children for a lifetime of frustration and hamper their children’s long-term success in school and in their careers.

Among the topics Rudek will discuss are the rise of narcissism in American society over the past 30 years and the unintended consequence of the “self-esteem movement,” which began as early as the 1970s and has affected educational practice and parenting ever since. On Jan. 25, Rudek will offer current and future parents, caregivers and teachers a framework for thinking about the role they can play in helping children achieve positive developmental outcomes.

The free lecture is part of Aurora University’s ongoing Faculty Speakers Series. To register, please go to www.auartsandideas.com.

“Practice Doesn’t Make Perfect: Being Liberated by Knowing Children’s Limits”

• Date: Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2017.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Perry Theatre, located in the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley Center for Cultural Enrichment on the AU campus at 349 S. Gladstone Avenue, Aurora.

About Aurora University

Aurora University is an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning, annually educating approximately 5,500 degree-seeking students at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels. The university has a long tradition of preparing students for lives of service and leadership and using its resources and expertise to meet the needs of the community. In addition to its main campus and the Orchard Center in Aurora, Illinois, AU offers programs online, at its George Williams College campus in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, and at the Woodstock Center in downtown Woodstock, Illinois. Learn more at aurora.edu.