How to Foster Self-Esteem in Children

Children promoting positivity

Building self-esteem in children is crucial to their development. High self-esteem encourages a positive self outlook and confidence. Children need high self-esteem in order to succeed in life. When self-esteem has not been taught to a child, that child's ability to function in daily social settings will be affected. If you want your child to excel in all aspects of life, nurture her self-esteem on a regular basis. A low self-esteem leads to feelings of inadequacy, indifference and sadness. A child with low self-esteem is easily identifiable. Fostering self-esteem in children is a simple task. All it takes is love, attention and communication.

Things You'll Need

• Relaxation tapes

Instructions

1. Express positive feelings to children. Avoid saying negative things that may be hurtful. A child will always remember something said that was unkind. Show sensitivity to your child's feelings. Positive expressions encourage children to exhibit a positive attitude.

2. Praise children with positive feedback. Verbalize how proud he makes you feel. Persuade him to make positive remarks about himself. Self-talk is a great way to stay in a good mind-state. Let him listen to relaxation tapes.

3. Teach children about making good decisions. Once a child learns to exercise sound judgment, she has shown responsibility. Your child wants to make you proud. Reinforce your child's good behavior by rewarding her.

4. Encourage children to treat others with respect. Demonstrate respectfulness yourself, and your child will learn through your example. This teaches your child that respect is something everyone deserves.

5. Allow children to find solutions to problems. This will develop your child's ability to reason and make sound judgments. Refrain from intruding on a conflict you know your child can resolve. Your child will start to feel responsible.

6. Avoid lashing out at your child when you have a problem. Try to keep your distance until you are calm and collected. Your anger makes your child feel like he has done something wrong.

7. Expose your child to methods of controlling her emotions. Children struggle with channeling negative emotions. When he gets angry, teach him ways to calm down. Never teach a child that it is acceptable to be aggressive or violent.

References

• How Can We Strengthen Children's Self-Esteem?

Resources

• Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem