It is the desire of parents that their children develop a positive sense of self. If your kid has a high self-esteem, be sure that they will grow into happy and successful individuals. It is the duty of parents to help their children develop a positive self-image as they grow.
Importance of Self-Esteem
You may ask yourself why self-esteem is important for your children. Children with a positive sense about themselves are confident and are set to be productive adults. These positive feelings of self-confidence and self-acceptance enable them to undertake new challenges, fail and try again. Their success gives them pride and encourages them to do their best.
On the other hand, however, children with low self-esteem are insecure and lack self-confidence. They end up being confused and unsure of themselves. Low self-esteem blocks success, as your children are unwilling to interact with others for fear of rejection. They do not have the guts to stand up for themselves and generally avoid challenges. When they are setback by mistakes, it may be difficult for them to make a comeback. It can eventually lead to stressful situations that distract them from dealing with everyday situations.
Building Your Child’s Self-Esteem
Every child is wonderful and special. However, self-esteem does not develop by constantly telling them this; in fact, they already know they are special and wonderful. In addition, persistently rewarding them does not build their self-esteem.They develop self-esteem from their own failures and successes. This is what makes them develop the confidence to tackle the challenges of everyday life.
To build your kid’s self-confidence, consider the following:
- Give your kids choices: It is important that you allow your children to make their own choices. However, these choices must be within a set of options that you set yourself. For instance, giving them the choice of which food to eat for breakfast.This empowers your kids, as they are capable of making simple choices at a young age. As they grow up, they will be capable of making more difficult choices.
- Give them responsibilities: Provide your children with responsibilities around the house at a young age. Chores like taking care of the family pet, clearing the table after dinner, cleaning their rooms makes them feel more attached to their house . Their problem solving skills improve and they feel more competent. These chores should be appropriate for their age to prevent them feeling exhausted .
- Spend personal time with your kids: You can spend time with your child by taking that bike ride, teaching them to ride balance bike, or enjoy food together. You are able to interact with your child at a personal level and get to know what is on their mind. In addition, you bond and cement your parent-child relationship
- Show them no one is perfect: This comes out in the way you react when your child makes a mistake or disappoints you. Your reaction contributes to how they will react. A bad reaction does not inspire self-confidence and it is therefore important to explain to them that no one expects them to be perfect.
- Allow them to learn from their mistakes: Do not be their house help. Give your children the space to do some things for themselves. This helps them develop new skills and reduce their overdependence on you. You will, however, need to be patient as they try to figure things for themselves. They develop more confidence and competence as they successfully do more things for themselves.
- Only offer sincere praise: Do not praise your child too much. It does not inspire your kids that much if you praise them every two seconds. It is easy for children to perceive when you are giving them lip service when it comes to complimenting them.Praise them when it is necessary and be specific with your compliments.
- Show your children respect: Calling your children names and using sarcasm to drive a point home is a major contributor in making children less confident. Do not demean the feelings of your child. Take your time before making a response and choose your words wisely when speaking to them. Clearly show your child their mistake and correct them without belittling them.
- Show them their uniqueness: It is important that you show your children their individuality. Do not try to make a comparison between them and other people. Appreciate their special talents and personality.
Take Your Time to Promote Self Confidence
It is important for parents to make an effort to develop their children’s self-esteem. You should not take it as a daily routine, like a meal; rather try to nurture their self-confidence naturally. Developing a child’s confidence is a process that takes its time and has no particular procedure. Be respectful, show your kids acceptance, encourage communication, and above all be their leading example of being confident.
