Self-esteem is all about how people feel and think about themselves. From the earliest age, children develop self-esteem. The question is: Will they feel good or bad about themselves? According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children who have good self-esteem are more likely to act independently, handle both positive and negative emotions, assume responsibility and appropriately handle peer pressure. Building self-esteem in kids is important for their well-being and success not only when they're young, but also for the rest of their lives.
Step 1
Praise your child. The most important step in building self-esteem in your child is offering positive words and encouraging actions. Saying "I know you can do it" works wonders when your child is trying something new or challenging. Add "Hooray, you did it" or "I'm so proud of you for trying so hard" to your parenting vocabulary.
Step 2
Act as a role model for your child. According to Joycelyn Turker Burgo, of Mid-America Addiction Technology Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, it's difficult to impart a sense of self-esteem in your child if you don't feel good about yourself. You may need to take the necessary actions to feel good about yourself to provide your child with the skills he needs.
Step 3
Maintain contact with your child's teacher, who is second only to you as a force behind your child's self-esteem. A teacher who doesn't make your child feel positive about her capabilities in the classroom is going to undermine all the good work you do outside of school. It's essential that you keep on top of what's going on at school. If you see signs that your child isn't feeling confident in her ability to learn in school, meet with her teacher.
Step 4
Post visual materials in the form of posters and checklists to show your child how well he's doing. Checklists can also help you to keep track of how frequently you provide positive reinforcement. Rather than looking for reasons to reprimand your child, find reasons to praise him. Tell him what he did well rather than what he didn't do well.
Step 5
Set expectations for your child that are attainable and age-appropriate, but don't make everything easy for her. Part of self-esteem is being able to cope with frustration and handle both positive and negative emotions.
Things You'll Need
- Poster board
- Markers
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