4 Ways To Develop A Child's Self-Esteem

Healthy self-esteem in children will help them feel that they can do almost anything. They will use it as a source of protection especially when they see negative behaviors in others. In contrast children who have low self-esteem can find challenging situations frustrating. They may feel that they are not able to tackle challenging tasks because their self-esteem is low. Here are four ways that you can help develop a child's self-esteem.

Be a great role model

One of the biggest things that you can do as a parent to help develop your child's self-esteem is to be a positive role model for them. Make sure that you are providing them with positive reinforcement throughout the day. Make sure that your own self-esteem is healthy and positive. Your child will follow in your footsteps.

Be affectionate

Your love can help increase your child's self-esteem. Make sure that you tell your child that you love him or her every day. Encourage them and give them hugs as positive reinforcement when you see them doing the right thing. Add little notes in your child's school bag to let them know how great you think they are. Love is a healing force that will help your child develop a positive sense of self.

Watch your language around your child

Children are sensitive about what you say. So watch your words and make sure that you structure them in a way to positively reinforce yet be truthful. For example, if your child is trying out for the baseball team but does not make it, do not say well better luck next time. What you can say in this instance is let them know how proud you are of the effort that they put in to make the team. This will let them know that the effort was a big part of the process.

Restructure negative thoughts

When your child is overgeneralizing about what they feel that they could accomplish, is important that you step in and restructure this thought process. For example, if your child feels like they cannot play the flute accurately , he or she may be internalizing that he or she is a bad flute player. This is a very broad and sweeping generalization. At this point, you can say if you continue trying and practicing you will get to where you need to be. Perception is reality. It's important that you structure your child's overly negative perception in a positive manner.

The preceding four tips can show you how can help build your child's self-esteem through behavioral health ehr. There are other ways in which you can do this. Speak to a behavioral health therapist to find out additional ways. 

Share