Self Image in Children
According to the Child Development Institute, the development of a positive self-image is vital to a child's future happiness and achievement. A positive self-image is the cornerstone of a child making good decisions that will affect the rest of his life.
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Significance
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It is vital that parents start as early as possible to lay the foundation for building a child's self-image with positive examples so their child can reap the benefits early in life.
Effects
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Children with a good self-image make friends easily, like to be creative and build upon their creativity, and are happy and well-adjusted. They are also independent thinkers and contributors to society.
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Identification
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Kids who have a poor self-image frequently say things like, "I know that I won't do well," or "It doesn't matter what I do." They also might make disparaging remarks about their physical appearance.
Misconceptions
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It is possible to "fix" a negative self-image. If the child is around adults who are praising their work, how they act or how they look, then eventually the child will come to understand that there is something worth affirming. Sometimes people see the results of a negative self-image and give up on the child.
Prevention/Solution
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Some examples of how to respond to a negative situation in a way that will foster a positive self-image are: "I appreciate how you took the initiative to take out the trash" instead of "Go and take the trash out." Or, "Look how quickly you got out of bed! Thank you!" instead of "Hurry up! You always do this. It's time for school!" Just about any comment can be turned into a positive comment just by thinking about it beforehand.
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