I remember when RJ was still a toddler. If someone asks her to dance, she’ll dance and if we ask her to sing, she’ll sing. Doesn’t matter if we applaud her or not. She just loves to perform and share her talents. I’m glad that she has that same attitude until now. Self esteem…sometimes I think she has too much of it.
Self-esteem is your child’s armor in this challenging life. Children with low self-esteem find challenges to be a source of anxiety as well as frustrations thus, affecting every aspect of their life. They easily give up on things because they believe they can’t accomplish it and won’t succeed to whatever they’ll do. You don’t want this to happen to your children, do you? So how can you build your children’s self-esteem?
- Ask your children to help you with what you’re doing…not every line has to be straight anyway. Let them feel that you trust them.
- Don’t set your standards too high. Kids must learn to make a bird-house first before they can create an outdoor furniture. Of course I’m just exaggerating. I’m sure you know what I mean. 🙂
- Don’t rescue too soon. Give them the chance to think, decide and learn from their mistakes.
- Have them involved on challanging activities like sports, scouting, camping, musical instruments lessons, etc. Let them experience the great feeling of accomplishing things.
- Don’t forget to give them praises for every job well-done. This will help them to feel good about themselves.
- Do not compare. Comparisons, whether positive or negative, can be damaging because the child finds it hard to live up to his own image.
- Pay attention to what your kids do or say. You don’t necessarily need to agree. Listening make them feel they are important.
- Love and affection. Let your children know that you’re there for them regardless of their capabilities, strengths, difficulties and temperaments.
Building your child’s self-esteem is not an overnight job but through a constant trying and believing in your child. It takes time so be patient.