How to Help Children Self-Actualize

You can help children reach their full potential.

Psychologist Abraham Maslow designed a model of human development and achievement based on human needs. Once basic physical and emotional needs are met, people are free to achieve their full potential in life. This level of self-actualization can occur in childhood as children realize their dreams and goals. Parents, teachers and caregivers can help children achieve self-actualization.

Instructions

1. Ensure children's basic needs are met. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, all people must provide for their physiological, safety, belonging and esteem needs before they can achieve self-actualization. A hungry child cannot reach his personal potential without being fed first.

2. Allow your children to dream big dreams. Children should start to develop a vision of what their ideal self is -- what Maslow called a "philosophy of the future." Encourage your children to really think about who they want to be.

3. Highlight your children's current accomplishments and talents. To work toward self-actualization, children must know where their talents lie.

4. Set goals with your children. Base future goals on the natural talents and abilities they possess. Break down long-term goals into more-manageable short-term goals.

5. Encourage children to take the steps necessary to achieve their goals. Provide necessary resources, such as classes, lessons or equipment, to live their dreams.

Tips & Warnings

• Encourage children to accept themselves when they experience failure and are not able to achieve a goal.

References

• Shippensburg University; Abraham Maslow; Dr. C. George Boeree
• Kaplan University: The Importance of Self-Esteem in Learning: Building Self-Esteem in School
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: Emotional Intelligence Activities

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish