Perceptions and feelings about ourselves are known as self-esteem, or self-conception. Self-esteem defines our outlook and develops at an early age. Whether self-esteem is good or bad, it impacts all aspects of life, such as relationships with others, academic performance, opportunities for success and reactions to new situations.
Significance of Positive Self-Esteem
Children with positive self-esteem are confident and cooperative, according to Kidshealth.org. Healthy self-esteem allows a child to handle negative pressure from peers, accept responsibility and take on new challenges when they are presented. Self-esteem helps a child develop independence as he matures. A child with positive self-worth is enthusiastic about new adventures and makes friends easily.
Signs of Low Self-Esteem
The National Network for Child Care cautions that children with low self-esteem verbalize negative views that reinforce underlying feelings of self-worth. A child might be reluctant to try new tasks and shies away from social occasions. Because a child with low self-esteem generally feels unloved, she becomes vulnerable to outside influences.
Verbal Cues of Self-Esteem
Children often provide verbal clues as to how they feel. Listening to your child's reaction to frustrating or new situations provides insight into his feelings of self-esteem. A child with low self-esteem may repeat the statements, "I can't" or "I am not good at anything" when attempting an activity or task.
Behavior
Low self-esteem affects a student's ability to perform well in school, according to the Center for Effective Parenting. Poor self-esteem influences creativity because a child does not have the confidence to vary from the norm. Negative peer influences impact a child with feelings of low self-worth because the motivator, social acceptance, overshadows consequences of behaving badly.
Parenting
Parenting is a difficult job. Because self-esteem varies as children age, parents should not blame themselves if a child develops feelings of self-doubt and low self-worth. The good news: parents have an arsenal to help promote positive perception in children. The Child Development Institute recommends parents praise, offer affection and show loving support toward a child to foster positive reinforcement that a child is worthy. Cultivate positive self-image by providing feedback and offering real examples that dispel incorrect beliefs your child holds about herself. Support your child's involvement in noncompetitive activities, such as a hobby, an outdoor activity or joining an after-school club. Noncompetitive activities promote cooperation and a sense of belonging.
Considerations
Developing self-esteem in children helps define a child's conception of himself and his worth to others. At an early age, children look to adults to confirm self-image, such as love, safety, intelligence, talent and ability. Finally, a child's self-perception constantly changes with age.
