Self-esteem plays a huge role in how we view ourselves, and it has a significant impact on our interactions with others. Self-esteem is a feeling of self-worth and value. Children who have positive self-esteem feel good about themselves. These kids are more confident, they tend to feel more accepted and well-liked, and they’re more likely to believe in their own abilities. What can we do to help boost our children’s self-esteem?
Many parents don’t realize that there are things they can do to help build their children’s self-esteem by examining ways in which they interact with their kids on a daily basis. A parent is a child’s first and most important teacher. We as parents have the power to shape our children’s self-esteem, which will in turn impact how they view themselves as adults. Keep in mind that simply praising your child is not what leads to healthy self-esteem. Read on for some helpful tips on building self-esteem in children.
Give your child some room for independence
Many parents are often too quick to do things for their kids that they can be taught how to do themselves. Creating a sense of independence helps to build children’s self-esteem because it teaches them that they’re capable and smart enough to handle life’s little challenges on their own from an early age.
Learn to step back and give children the opportunity to take risks, solve problems, and tackle certain tasks on their own. Let them make choices and learn how to take responsibility for their actions. As long as their safety is not in danger, you don’t need to rescue them from failure every time.
Enlist your child’s help at home
Children who are encouraged to help around at home will be able to see firsthand that what they do every day makes a difference. The more involved children are in household chores or tasks, the greater their sense of being helpful and useful will be.
Give praise where it’s due
Recognizing your child’s achievements and giving praise is an excellent way to build self-confidence. However, it’s important not to give general compliments without being specific and accurate. Keep your words realistic and honest. Avoid telling children they’re doing an excellent job if they’re not. Overpraising can do more harm than good, and it may lower the bar for your kids. Confidence doesn’t come from hearing nice words if they’re empty. It comes from exerting effort, failing, and trying again until they succeed.
Acknowledge your child’s accomplishments and successes, big or small. Taking time to appreciate what kids do will help boost their self-worth and confidence. The best thing you can do is show that you recognize and appreciate your child’s effort even when it doesn’t go well because most things won’t work out perfectly every time.
Offer rewards and compliments when your child does something well
Receiving rewards can make children feel proud and accomplished about what they’ve done. Sometimes rewards can help children learn which behaviors should and shouldn’t be repeated. Rewards don’t have to always be grand or come in the form of material things. They can be something as simple as a pat on the back, a hug, or a peck on the cheek.
Try to avoid making comparisons
When you compare your child with others, it can create feelings of inadequacy. This will lead to low self-esteem and low confidence. We don’t want to create a situation in which children feel as if they’re falling short or not good enough.
Give your child unconditional love
Love is a vital component of boosting our children’s self-esteem. Children who feel loved unconditionally tend to be more confident and have a stronger sense of self-worth. Make sure children feel safe and loved at all times, regardless of what they do, how they behave, and their accomplishments or shortcomings.
There are so many ways to help your child build their self-esteem, but most importantly, they need to know that you believe in them. Children need to feel like there’s nothing they can’t do because you’ve got their backs no matter what. Building a sense of confidence will give them the strength needed for life’s challenges, as well as the ability to accept themselves unconditionally regardless of their abilities, skills, and talents.
At Launchpad Early Education, our goal is to not only educate and prepare children for their academic futures, but also to build character, empathy, and self-confidence by implementing a carefully crafted blend of learning, play, and exploration. Give us a call for more information.