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
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article