Steps to building a child’s self-esteem
The beliefs and feelings we have about ourselves is called self-esteem. Our methods of motivation, attitudes, emotional judgments, and actions are all affected by the way we perceive ourselves.
What factors make up self-esteem? Self-confidence, pride, self-sufficiency, self-respect, and independence all combine to make self-esteem. The majority of our self-esteem is developed during childhood. Especially in kids, self-esteem constantly changes as we experience different social interactions and new events.
Even though our later relationships with our peers and other adults may impact our self-esteem, the most important thing parents can do is to allow a child to feel as though they can be themselves in an emotionally and physically safe environment.
Keeping your outlook positive will help your child maintain a positive self-esteem. Praising them when they learn, try or accomplish things will help your child feel confident that they are good at those things, and foster their growing sense of positive self-esteem.
Children who feel that they are competent often feel as though they are accepted, which is also an important part of building good self esteem in children. By keeping your child involved in challenging activities, and encouraging them to try even when they may fail is an important way to encourage personal growth. A child who constantly succeeds at simple, unchallenging tasks may feel as though he shouldn’t even try to accomplish more difficult tasks.
Delivering positive messages and engaging in constructive communication lead to a healthy self-perception. Try these time-tested tips to enhance your child’s can-do attitude.
1. Use positive words. For instance, telling a child what you would like them to do in a way that excludes words like “no” or “bad”. You can help your child maintain a positive attitude by being positive yourself.
2. Listen to your child. Parents often make the mistake of thinking their words are more important than their child, which makes child has lower self-esteem.
3. Give eye contact Kids want attention. When you look a child right in the eye, they know you are listening. It gives them the idea that you are interested in what they have to say, even if you aren’t.
4. Use a timer, or flip a coin. Taking turns speaking will ensure that your child knows his feeling and ideas are worthwhile, and also gives them a good way to learn to speak to other.
5. Speak calmly, and keep irritation and a critical tone out of your voice A calm voice keeps a child from panicking. Use words that the child will comprehend. Let kids know what they need to do, and why or why not they should do something.
6. Criticism is still necessary Stressed earlier was the importance of positive comments. Criticism is required, as well. Kids must know when they are misbehaving or didn’t perform up to expectations. Tell them why what or what they didn’t do wasn’t acceptable, and stress the importance of not doing it again.
