Researchers agree that parents and providers play a key role in building a child’s self-esteem. The foundation of a healthy self-esteem begins forming when infants develop attachments to important adults around them.
A positive self-esteem means that a child feels good about who they are. They feel valued, loved and respected. When parents and care givers help children to build positive self-esteem they are giving them the skills to cope with life’s ups and downs.
Tips for Building Self-Esteem:
-Include your child in things that are important to you. Invite them to participate in your hobbies and avocations.
-Support your child’s interests. If they enjoy dinosaurs take them to a museum that has a dinosaur display or to a library. Show them that learning can be fun.
-Give your child choices. Choices provide children with a sense of control. Give younger children options when possible but keep the choices simple.
-To give a child a sense of belonging, allow them to have real responsibilities. They can help set the dinner table or clean an area in the house.
-Use your child’s name as often as you can when giving positive direction and less when applying redirection. This allows a child to associate their name with positive and not negative actions.
-Support your child when they are faced with failure or disappointment. Encouragement them to share their feelings.
Remember, developing strong self-esteem in children is a long and challenging process. Start with the basics, treat your child with respect, show them how you feel and listen carefully to what they have to say.
