Self-belief is an essential trait of successful people. Knowing you can handle all the world has to throw at you is the mark of a capable individual. Parents want their children to have this confidence. Instilling a high degree of self-worth in children will help guarantee that they will grow into healthy, independent and proficient individuals. Adopt a plan to assist your child in developing self-esteem.
Step 1
Tell your child how much you like him. Children know their parents love them, but hearing that they like them as well helps raise their self-esteem. Give the child examples of what you like about him such as his generosity, his creativity and his adventurousness.
Step 2
Educate your youngster about positive statements. Teach her that she can have a positive mindset by telling herself the truth in a positive manner. For example, if she is having trouble with a school subject such as science, tell her to tell herself that she can learn the material, that she is disciplined enough to stick with it and that she will improve quickly. Helping her learn to speak positively to herself will raise her self-confidence.
Step 3
Give young children choices and allow them to make the final decision. Educate your child as to how to reason through several choices and pick the best one for him. Let him practice with small issues such as choosing whether to go to a friend's party or his sibling's recital. Making decisions will instill confidence in your child.
Step 4
Encourage your child to try new activities. Although she may be nervous at first, it is essential your child not shy away from things because they are new. The more she engages in new situations, the more her self-esteem will grow.
Step 5
Talk to your child about how he relates to his peers. Children need strong friendships in order to be self-confident. Teach him to treat others the way he wants to treat them. In time, your child will look for peer approval to make him feel good about himself, so he will need a strong foundation in how to maintain healthy friendships.
Step 6
Support your child when he fails by letting him know you do not think less of him. Children seek parent approval constantly and often believe they must "win" at everything to get that approval. Let your child know you value him as a person for all his efforts and for just being himself.
Tips and Warnings
- Get involved in your child's life by engaging in his interests with him. He needs to know you are interested in his life to help bolster his self-esteem.
