Steps to building a child's self-esteem
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by: AbelCheng
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The beliefs and feelings we have about ourselves is called self-esteem. Our methods of motivation, attitudes, emotional judgments, and actions are all affected by the way we perceive ourselves.
What factors make up self-esteem? Self-confidence, pride, self-sufficiency, self-respect, and independence all combine to make self-esteem. The majority of our self-esteem is developed during childhood. Especially in kids, self-esteem constantly changes as we experience different social interactions and new events.
Enhancing a child's self-esteem is the first step to ensuring his or her right to personal safety. Keeping children away from physical harm is only secondary.
A child's self-esteem is based on a positive relationship with parents and eventually teachers. Parents can foster that can-do attitude in their children with a "Wow!" or a "That's great!" every time they accomplish a feat.
Children who feel that they are competent often feel as though they are accepted, which is also an important part of building good self esteem in children. By keeping your child involved in challenging activities, and encouraging them to try even when they may fail is an important way to encourage personal growth. A child who constantly succeeds at simple, unchallenging tasks may feel as though he shouldn't even try to accomplish more difficult tasks.
Even though your child may misbehave, you can still bolster their self confidence and self-esteem by explaining to them that their behavior was unacceptable, but they are still loved and accepted. When you talk to your child, there are several things you can do to effectively communicate and boost positive self-esteem.
1. Limit the "Don'ts" to the barest minimum. State your requests positively. Too many negative words in your sentences will only lead to a child's self doubt.
2. Listen to your child. Parents often make the mistake of thinking their words are more important than their child, which makes child has lower self-esteem.
3. Give eye contact Kids want attention. When you look a child right in the eye, they know you are listening. It gives them the idea that you are interested in what they have to say, even if you aren't.
4. Use a timer, or flip a coin. Taking turns speaking will ensure that your child knows his feeling and ideas are worthwhile, and also gives them a good way to learn to speak to other.
5. Speak calmly, and keep irritation and a critical tone out of your voice A calm voice keeps a child from panicking. Use words that the child will comprehend. Let kids know what they need to do, and why or why not they should do something.
6. Criticisms should still be present. We should also take notice of shortcomings or misbehavior as we see it or learn about it. Explain why an action is not acceptable, and allow kids to think of ways to avoid doing it again.
About the Author
Abel Cheng is a father of two. Find out how to raise happy children with his insightful parenting tips found on his parenting blog.
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