Top 10 Ways to Build Self-Esteem in Your Child

There are many ways of defining the concept of self-esteem. In general, the term encompasses the way we think and feel about ourselves and the way we evaluate ourselves. Sometimes it’s easy to notice when kids seem to feel good about themselves and when they don’t. Children with healthy self-esteem believe that they are deserving of love and they possess a readiness to face challenges in which they may not succeed. 

Be proactive. There are countless opportunities to make your child feel better or worse about themself. 

Many of the challenges that plague children are the result of low self-esteem. Depression, poor grades, drug usage, teenage pregnancy, fighting, and even suicide can be the result of low self-esteem. A child who has a strong sense of self-esteem will have a happier and more successful upbringing. Moreover, high self-esteem in childhood increases the likelihood of high self-esteem in adulthood.

Grow your child’s self-esteem and confidence:

1. Emphasize your child’s strengths.

Regularly acknowledging what your child is good at, such as math or sports, or reinforcing positive characteristics. Your recognition of positive traits gives your child the inner confidence to further pursue and develop those attributes. It helps empower your child to grow emotionally, socially and academically. 

2. Teach your child how to handle failure.

Failure is inevitable, and most kids are afraid to fail. As parents, assist them in focusing their attention on what went wrong and how they can correct it. Let them realize that they can turn failures into positive learning experiences. Encourage your child to be persistent until success is achieved.

3. Give them freedom to decide for themselves.

When kids are given room to make their own decisions, their brains learn how to make hard choices. More importantly, it helps them reduce the stress of feeling helpless or controlled by someone else. For example, let them decide what to wear or what they want to eat. You can give choices but be sure to control the options.

4. Give your child a little room to struggle.

It can be challenging to fight the impulse to lend a hand whenever possible. However, teaching a child how to handle difficulty can be quite beneficial. Make certain that the battle is won! Give your child the chance to succeed without parental intervention.

5. Give reasonable praise.

Reinforce the good things children are doing. Having an attitude of gratitude and praising children for the positives will ensure more positives come about. However, make sure to be sincere with your praise. 

Children will recognize your sincerity and respond positively.  Let the child know what they did right, what you appreciated about it, and how you would like to see it again.

6. Help your child to fit in at school.

School social life can be a series of ups and downs. But kids who feel comfortable socially often do better academically. As a parent, the challenge is to know just when those ups and downs are serious and how best to help your child adjust. Help your child to fit in by being on the lookout.

7. Let the child overhear you compliment them.

Praise nurtures your child’s confidence and sense of self. For example, mention something positive about him when you are talking to someone on the phone or in person and let your child hear what you say. He’ll surely be happy to hear it and feel on top of the world.

8. Do not compare one child with another.

All people are individuals. Sometimes parents make the ridiculous assumption that constantly comparing their kids to match up with others will somehow increase their drive and potential, but this is wrong. Your child is unique and should not be compared to others.

9. Provide quality time.

Spending quality time together is a great way to build a good relationship. It’s one way of showing that your child is important to you. Showing your children that you love and care for them helps to keep them mentally and emotionally strong. 

10. Use words of encouragement.

Words have power. As parents, it’s so important to pay attention to the words we use around our kids because those words shape their self identities. We all require support from time to time.

Always remember, 

• Words of encouragement for kids can be the spark that helps your children develop a growth mindset.
• Support and encourage your children while they’re having trouble. Let them know that they’re not alone. 
• Consider what you would’ve liked to hear as a child and allow that to be your guide.

One of your most important roles as a parent is to help your child feel good about himself.

A child who has a solid sense of self-worth will be more content and do better in school. Your child’s confidence is greatly influenced by you as a parent.  Always pay attention to the small details, since that’s what your child is doing!

As parents, we must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves so that we can mirror confidence in our children. We must believe that our children are capable of accomplishing something. Let your child realize that the most beautiful thing you can wear is confidence. Inaction breeds only doubt and fear.

Allow your child’s self-esteem to develop. And we can help. Contact us at Confident Voice Studio, today and let’s talk about how we can accelerate your child’s self-esteem.