How to Build Your Kid’s Self-Esteem
July 27, 2009 | In: Family, Parenting, Relationship
Build your children’s self esteem and you’ll be sure that they’ll grow up to be confident and secure adults.
The simplest yet most important way of helping build your children’s self esteem is by listening to them. This makes them feel that they are important and that their thoughts and feelings are significant. So when your kids have something to say, stop what you are doing and listen.
Make eye contact and focus on your children. Ask questions instead of pretending that you understand what your children are trying to say. If they are serious about what they’re saying, even if it all seems silly to you, do not laugh. If you cannot give your children undivided attention, then tell it to them straight. “Mommy needs to finish this first. Just give me ten minutes and we’ll talk over cookies. How’s that?”
If your children did something wrong, make them feel that they are being punished not for who they are, but for what they did. Praise them for the good they did and discourage their bad behavior. Striking a balance this way will let your children know what is right and what is wrong. They’ll know that you appreciate them yet you won’t tolerate improper behavior.
Give your children the benefit of the doubt. Always find out the whole story before you accuse your children of anything. Unjust accusation or being scolded or punished for something, even for something very petty, can produce long-term damage.
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