An important part of being a parent is to encourage and enable our children to be the best they can be. A child with healthy self-esteem will be well equipped to do this.

As our children grow they develop a sense of what they do well and what they struggle with. Feeling good about ourselves isn’t something that develops at the age of six - the foundations for good self-esteem are laid down from the moment babies look into their parents' eyes.

Children need someone to listen, comfort, respond and encourage - they also need an audience and a safety net!

Here are some ways in which you can help your child develop good self-esteem: • Give descriptive praise – an example of this could be: ‘I like the way that you are sharing’ • Let them know how much you love them!

• Spend quality time together. This can be small amounts of time. When your child comes to you put down what you are doing and listen and respond to them.

• Notice the positive things your children do and acknowledge their achievements (no matter how small they may seem to you!).

• Avoid comparing them to brothers, sisters, or other children.

• Allow your children to make mistakes and encourage them to learn from them.

• Show empathy when your child is upset by something – talk to them about how you felt when you had a similar experience.

• Avoid name calling and labelling your child. Statements such as “He’s the clever one” or “She’s a crier” can stick and often children become the label they have been given.

And remember each child is unique!

* See www.parentandbabycoach.co.uk