Having a positive sense of self-esteem gives your child a sense of being able to overcome obstacles in everyday life. The article "Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem," by KidsHealth.org, points out that children who have a healthy sense of self-esteem are better able to cope with conflict and negative peer pressure. As parents you can do a lot to help build your child's sense of self-esteem and self-confidence.
Being Positive Role Models
The U.S. National Mental Health Information Center's article "Building Self-Esteem in Children" and Kidshealth.org's "Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem" both point out the importance of being a good role model to your child. In order for your child to have healthy self-esteem, you must have positive self-esteem. The U.S. NMHIC also suggests that parents take into account the importance of a sense of humor and cultivate the ability to laugh at themselves. This shows children that it's okay to laugh at life and at themselves every now and then. Children often mirror the behavior of their parents, and will copy attitudes and actions that they are repeatedly exposed to. Trying to maintain a positive attitude and being realistic about your own abilities and limitations will provide your children with the basis for a realistic yet healthy sense of self-esteem.
Praise
Being generous with praise is an important component to building your child's sense of self-esteem. The National Network for Child Care suggests that showing appreciation when children cooperate or obey the rules, responding affectionately when they show positive behavior and praising or acknowledging every accomplishment, no matter how small, are all important ways parents can help to increase their child's self-esteem. Children respond positively to praise, but may develop a decreased sense of self when repeatedly exposed to criticism, especially when it occurs in front of other people.
Correcting Inaccurate Beliefs
Children develop internal beliefs about themselves as they grow up; if parents are tuned into to their children, they can correct many potential problems at an early age. Kidshealth.org points out that parents should try to correct any inaccurate beliefs that children have about themselves. If your child struggles with a particular subject in school and says that he can't do it, or that he is stupid, you need to intervene and try to correct this false belief, as it will set the child up for failure and further negative experiences regarding school and learning. Provide a sense of encouragement by letting the child know that you believe in him, saying something such as "I know you can do it!"
Creating a Loving, Safe Home
Children who come from abusive or otherwise negative home situations will suffer from a deep lack of self-esteem later on in life. Children need to have a feeling of safety at home. As Kidshealth.org points out, children develop symptoms of depression or become withdrawn if they are repeatedly exposed to negative behaviors, fighting or abuse. Parents must quickly deal with these issues, whether it is through professional intervention or counseling, so that their child's self-esteem does not suffer.
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