Self-esteem is the foundation upon which a child builds their personality, confidence, and sense of self-worth. It’s crucial to help your child develop healthy self-esteem from an early age, so they can grow into well-adjusted adults who are confident in their abilities and can handle challenges with resilience. Here are some self-esteem strategies you can use to help your child gain confidence..
Praise effort, not just results
- When you praise your child, focus on their effort, rather than just the end result. For example, if your child comes home with a B on their math test, don’t just say “good job.” Instead, say “I’m proud of you for working so hard on your math homework, it really paid off on the test.” This shows your child that you value the effort they put in and not just the grade they received. This helps them understand that effort and perseverance are essential for success and encourages them to keep trying even if they don’t immediately achieve their desired outcome.
Encourage their interests and passions
- When children are engaged in activities they enjoy and are passionate about, it helps build their self-esteem. Encourage your child to explore their interests, and provide opportunities for them to pursue them. For example, if your child is interested in art, enroll them in an art class or buy them art supplies. This shows them that their interests are important and valued, and helps them develop a sense of competency and mastery.
Provide opportunities for autonomy
- As children grow, they need opportunities to make their own decisions and take on new responsibilities. Giving your child the chance to make decisions on their own and take on age-appropriate responsibilities helps build their sense of autonomy and self-confidence. For example, you might let your child choose what to wear or what to have for breakfast, or give them a chore to do around the house. This helps them develop a sense of competence and responsibility, which can improve their self-esteem.
Teach them to cope with failure
- Everyone experiences failure at some point in their lives, and it’s essential that children learn how to cope with it in a healthy way. Help your child understand that failure is a natural part of the learning process and that it’s okay to make mistakes. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. This helps them develop resilience and a growth mindset, which can improve their self-esteem.
Model healthy self-esteem
- Children learn by example, so it’s essential that you model healthy self-esteem strategies yourself. This means taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally, and treating yourself with kindness and respect. Avoid negative self-talk or putting yourself down in front of your child. Instead, model positive self-talk and self-care behaviors. This helps your child develop a healthy sense of self-worth and respect for themselves and others.
Encourage social connections
- Having positive social connections is essential for building self-esteem. Encourage your child to spend time with friends and family who are positive and supportive. This can help them feel connected and valued and can boost their self-esteem. Encourage your child to participate in group activities or clubs that align with their interests, where they can make new friends and develop new skills.
Provide emotional support
- Finally, it’s essential that you provide emotional support to your child. Listen to them when they talk about their feelings, validate their experiences, and provide a safe space to express themselves. Offer words of encouragement and support when they need it, and help them navigate difficult situations. This helps them feel seen and heard and can improve their sense of self-worth and confidence.
Helping your child develop healthy self-esteem strategies is essential for their overall well-being and success in life.
Kids Corner is here to help your child with their self-esteem and all of life’s challenges. Click here to schedule a free assessment with one of our knowledgeable life coaches to see if it’s a great fit for your family!