Self-esteem is a critical part of growing up to be healthy and productive person. According to Kids Health, self-esteem is your child's ability to face the challenges of being a child and also feel good about herself. Foster daughters are particularly vulnerable to self-esteem issues because they often feel displaced and unwanted. You can take several steps to help boost your foster daughter's self-esteem and prepare her for a happy and satisfying life.
Step 1
Establish a relationship with your foster daughter. Susan McNair Blatt, author of "A Guidebook for Raising Foster Children," writes that when foster children are able to have a meaningful relationship with a caring adult, they are better able to adapt to life in a new home. Showing your foster daughter that you care about her and are available to her are good first steps, Blatt says.
Step 2
Meet your foster daughter's needs as soon as possible. Blatt writes that foster children yearn for attention. Paying close attention to what she needs will help your foster daughter feel good about herself. Make sure she has food she likes and activities she enjoys to show her that she is an important part of the home. A secure and caring home is one of the best ways to build self-esteem, reports Kids Health.
Step 3
Set rules and outline consequences. Discipline is an important part of raising self-esteem and your foster daughter will benefit from consistent expectations, says Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer, author of "Raising Confident Girls: 100 Tips for Parents and Teachers." You can help your foster daughter learn appropriate behavior by modeling them yourself, according to Kids Health.
Step 4
Guide your foster daughter toward volunteer opportunities or other ways to get involved in helping others. According to Kids Health, the development of healthy self-esteem relies on your child's ability to cooperate with others to reach a common goal. Getting involved can also build peer relationships that will give your daughter a sense of satisfaction with herself and with her life.
Step 5
Say positive and uplifting things about yourself. If your foster daughter hears you saying negative things about your own image or personality, she is more likely to follow suit, according to Kids Health. In addition to saying nice and caring words to your foster daughter, you should also work to build yourself up because it will set the right example for behaviors that increase self-esteem.
Tips and Warnings
- A journal can help your daughter express her feelings about herself and be able to articulate issues that you can work on together.
- You might not be able to help your foster daughter on your own. Kids Health recommends therapy or other professional help if your efforts are not working.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
References
- Kids Health: Developing Your Child's Self-Esteem
- "A Guidebook for Raising Foster Children"; Susan McNair Blatt; 2000
- "Raising Confident Girls: 100 Tips for Parents and Teachers"; Elizabeth Hartley-Brewer; 2001
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