Tips To Improve Kids Self Esteem

Article by Laura Wilde

Throughout our lives, we are continually maintaining and improving self esteem. It’s easy to feel good about ourselves when we are getting married, receiving accolades at work, moving into a new home or meeting our fitness goals. Yet our self-confidence may be challenged with the death of a loved one, the dissolution of a relationship, the loss of a job or a serious illness. Experts say the foundation of our ability to keep positive self esteem throughout our lives is formed during our childhood. So, as a parent, it is your responsibility to lay the groundwork for your child’s healthy and happy development. While acceptance of your teachings is ultimately up to the child, here are a few tips on improving self esteem in your child.

Positive reinforcement is one of the best strategies to strengthen self worth in your child. Celebrate the small victories with your child when he or she does well on a project or wins an award in class. Maybe you’ll head out for a treat, buy a special present or hold a celebration for the significant milestones in your child’s life.

Children are typically very aware of and responsive to their parents’ feedback, says the Nemours Foundation, so it really is essential to praise your youngster when he or she has shown significant effort — even if the end result is not success. It is essential that parents don’t tell untruths to the child and over-exaggerate each accomplishment, but parents should always offer truthful, consistent and encouraging feedback.

While it may sound counterintuitive, thing like boundaries, lessons and punishments can also be a way of improving self esteem. Studies consistently confirm that children with free reign exhibit the lowest levels of self-esteem and social deviance. Instead, you want to explain how the child can behave appropriately to reap greater rewards. For example, before attending a party, it’s important to prepare the child by explaining how to be polite, introduce herself and interact socially in nice ways to make the most friends. It’s also important that repercussions be issued when the child does not meet your standards. You must explain that lying, cheating, fighting, gossiping, coming home late and swearing are not tolerated. If the rules are broken, the child must be punished consistently with privileges being stripped away. Even though some of these lessons may take a while to learn, the child will eventually build self confidence when the obstacle is finally overcome.

Many parents wonder, “What techniques for improving self esteem can I use in everyday life?” First and foremost, tell your children you love them each and everyday, no matter how aloof they may seem. Deep down, this does matter a lot more than you think. Secondly, praise your children for jobs well done and for honest efforts. Thirdly, spend time with your children — even if it’s only 10 or 15 minutes of quality, one-on-one, undistracted time some days. Truly listen to what your child has to say — and if you don’t have the time that moment, at least say, “Can we make a special time to talk a little later?” And keep your promise. Fourth of all, be sure to be involved in your child’s activities. You may need to sit through an endless stream of ballet recitals, sports games, concerts and awards ceremonies, but your presence is critical to increase self esteem in your child.

Tags: esteem, Improve, Kids, Self, Tips