What Are Some Ways to Help a Child Change a Bad Feeling About Him or Herself?

Be postive to raise your child's self image.

Children often develop negative feelings about academic failures or conflicts with friends or parents. Negative feelings may lead to low self esteem, which is characterized by a negative self image, negative self-talk and feelings of failure. Parents can help their children develop a positive self image and raise their self esteem.

Be Positive

Be a positive role model for your child, and help her see the positive even in her failures, recommends Dr. Sears. When your child fails at something, remind her of all of her achievements. When you give your child criticism, be both positive and realistic. Parents are important role models to their children, so be positive in your own life as well.

Responsibility

Give your child tasks to complete to give him a sense of responsibility and show him that he can be successful. Build your child's self confidence by giving him tasks that he can realistically complete. Base tasks on your child's development and skills to ensure success. Do not ask a five year old to complete tasks that require heavy lifting or reaching high shelves; instead, let him fill the dishwasher or clean up his toys.

Show Your Pride

Show how proud you are of your children by displaying their work in your home. When your child draws a picture in elementary school, earns a high grade in school or completes all her chores for the week, recognize her achievements. Frame her artwork, or keep a portfolio of her writing. When your child has a negative feeling about herself, show her her work as a reminder of previous achievements.

Discover Talents

Help your child find what she is good at to boost her self esteem. Encourage her in her endeavors. Let your child decide what she enjoys, rather than pushing her to enjoy the things that you enjoy, recommends Dr. Sears. Gently encourage your child to try extracurricular activities in which she is interested and might excel. If she does not excel at an activity, encourage her to keep trying something else.

References

• Ask Dr. Sears: 12 Ways To Help Your Child Build Self-Confidence
• Kids Health: Developing Your Child's Self Esteem