Helping Your Child Build Self-Esteem in 6 Easy Steps

Photo Courtesy of Ryan Hyde Creative Commons

It is extremely valuable for your child to develop a healthy self-esteem. Here are 6 steps to helping your child build self-esteem.

1. 1. Help them be proud of themselves
      If you are constantly seeking to be affirmed by others, you will be let down and discouraged.  Help your child find their self-worth from within.  They can know they have weaknesses as well as strengths and still be proud of who they are.

2. 2. Quality time
      This is so important for children.  Quality time with parents builds trust and security, a strong foundation for positive self-esteem. Spending 30 minutes of one-on-one time each week with your child allows them to feel loved and important.  During this quality time, as you play with your child, allow him/her to guide the play.

3. 3. Value their opinion
      Find opportunities for your child to teach you something. Ask them questions such as “How did you do that? Or “What do you think?” Provide opportunities for your child to help and share their feelings. Encourage children to articulate and express their feelings, not stuff their feelings.

4. 4. Allow them to make choices & decisions when possible
      Don’t do everything for them. Encourage and allow your child to make decisions. Saying “You can decide” creates a feeling of competence. Help your child develop problem-solving and decision-making skills.

5. 5. Don’t compare them to others 
      Parent each child individually. Be careful what you say or imply. Children listen to what you say and based on your tone they may think words such as “shy” or “quiet” are negative.

6. 6. Improve your own self-esteem
      Your child is watching you.  You are an example of how they should treat themselves.  Is it an example you want them to follow?

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