Kids that grow up getting attentioned and praised for just existing are set up for mental challenges when they become independent and face the real world. I see lots of anger and depression among the youth of today derived from this parenting shift.

Dealing with criticism, with loss, and with things not going your way is a key an necessary skill that kids must learn. By the time they're adults, it's really too late, and learning to cope becomes extremely difficult.

The Church's teaching are, I think, easily one of the best curricula for teaching real self-esteem (not the artificial ego inflation most people think it is). You are a child of God. You matter. You have a purpose and meaning. You have talents that you can and should develop so that you can serve your family and others. You need to work on yourself, and become better. Come as you are, but don't plan to stay as you are. Have faith that you can overcome all challenges. Don't lie to yourself. Be honest about your shortcomings. Understand them and work on them.

People that want you to be better LOVE YOU as you are, in spite of what society tells you. People who love you want to see you become happier than you are, and so encourage you to do those things that will ultimately make you happier. It's the people who tell you not to change, who spite those who encourage you improvement, that are bringing you down and squelching your happiness.