Feeling good about yourself and knowing your place in the world is important and meaningful. Kids with self-confidence are better able to withstand peer pressure and make decisions with their own best interests in mind.
Here are five ways you can help build up your child's self-esteem.
Be a Positive Role Model
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You are your child's biggest role model. If you are constantly hard on yourself, talk negative about your body or pessimistic, your child will see that and may eventually copy those behaviors. Set the tone with positive words and actions.
Be Attentive
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When you're with your child, put down the phone, look away from the computer and give them your full attention. Make eye contact and listen fully to make them feel what they are saying is important to you.
Make Them Feel Special
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Tell your child that you are proud of them for doing a good job, trying hard or putting an effort into learning something. Give compliments freely—not just about physical attributes, but also about their intellect and personality.
Teach Them Failure is Part of Life
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Not everything in life will result in success. Teach your child that failing does happen in all areas of life. Having a fear of failure will paralyze you in trying anything new. Failure happens to all of us. Do not be afraid to fail.
Encourage Activity and Exercise
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Taking time out to take care of your body sends a message that you are worth taking care of. Participating in sports not only teaches your child how to work diligently to reach goals, but also provides a sense of identity. Being part of a team can also provide camaraderie and boost self-worth as teammates work together for a common goal. Participating in competitions and contests will increase their resiliency to achieve success and cope with failure.
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