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.
Self-esteem includes other qualities, such as self-confidence, pride, independence, self-reliance, and self-respect. Experts say we develop our self-esteem during childhood, and it constantly evolves as we are shaped by the different social interactions and experiences we go through.
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.
However, positive comments are not the sole builders of self-esteem. Providing a warm, loving, and caring environment is just as important. Children who are shown a lot of affection can still suffer low self-esteem because they feel inadequate or unaccomplished. On the flip side, confident and joyful children can have low self-esteem if they are not loved. A child must experience a balance of both love and confidence to have high self-esteem.
Even though your child may misbehave, you can still bolster their self confidence and self-esteem by explaining to them that their behavior was unacceptable, but they are still loved and accepted. When you talk to your child, there are several things you can do to effectively communicate and boost positive self-esteem.
1. Limit the “Don’ts” to the barest minimum. State your requests positively. Too many negative words in your sentences will only lead to a child’s self doubt.
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. Take turns in the conversation. Agree on who speaks first, and who speaks next. It is important for parents to encourage kids to verbalize their ideas and feelings, but to also wait for the go signal to speak. Children should be able to understand that if people talk all at the same time, they will end up understanding nothing.
5. Keep a calm, uncritical, and non-irritable manner when explaining. Keep your “speech” concise. Use language that kids will easily understand, explaining to them what they need to do, and why they should or should not do it. Speaking in a calm tone also keeps panic from rising within them.
6. Don’t be afraid to discipline. If you child misbehaves, tell them in a simple way they understand that the behavior is unacceptable, and explain what behavior you expect.
