Many psychologists believe that the nature of the input that children receive from their parents during the first childhood years will impact their self-esteem in the long-run. Specifically, having a healthy and strong sense of self-worth is a life changing advantage for any child, while a low self-esteem can lead to mental issues, isolation, and communication and attachment problems in later adult life.
There are many things that parents can do in order to help their children develop a healthy self-esteem, but before we get to those, parents should show unconditional love, empathy and understanding above all.
- Play with your child and pay attention to what he/she has to communicate
Finding the time to sit down and play with your child is ultimately translated as "I am valuable/I am worth my parents' while". Also, engaging in a conversation or explanation during play-time is highly recommended because it offers you the opportunity to highlight the child's strengths and to reinforce the problem-solving and decision-making skills. Your child will greatly enjoy being stimulated and challenged, while building the confidence that he/she needs for further social interactions.
- Avoid punishments and accept that mistakes happen
Harsh punishments have to be avoided, as well as reproaching and other verbally abusive behavior. Instead, parents should try to calmly communicate the good side and the negative side of the things done, in a consequential manner. Furthermore, parents have to accept that mistakes happen and that it is normal for their child to make them because this is the only way that he/she will better understand how the world works.
- Improve your own self-esteem and be a positive role model
Taking into account that children tend to imitate or mirror everything their parents do and even the way they think, improving your own self-esteem will help your child greatly develop a healthy one as well. If you are excessively harsh or pessimistic, frustrated or do not feel appreciated, all these will eventually reflect on your child's sense of self-worth. Be sure to create a positive role model for your child to follow; show kindness and grace under pressure, be wise and thoughtful.
- Be supportive and encourage new experiences
Besides offering accurate and constructive criticism, praising is invaluable for developing positive feelings of self-worth. Parents' support and feedback can help their child overcome difficult, otherwise stressful situations, with flying colors. As a result of permanent and consistent encouragement children will often develop a strong sense of independence and self-esteem which enables them to try out new experiences without feeling anxious or afraid.
Abigail Simmons is Author of Positive Parenting Secrets Book. She has helped many parents solve their parenting problem using her practical positive parenting techniques. To learn more about her parenting tips and techniques, please visit http://www.101ParentingResources.com
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