Self-Esteem Is Crucial To Development, And Here’s How You Can Contribute To Healthy Self-Esteem In Your Child
A child’s self-esteem is crucial to their development. Self-esteem is shaped by a child’s thoughts and feelings. And those are primarily influenced by how you perceive and treat them as a parent.
Self-esteem affects their day-to-day life and their relationship with you and others. Plus, it has an impact on how they conduct themselves at school or in social situations.
Children need to feel loved and accepted to build confidence in themselves. So how you respond to them both during times of stress and in praise-worthy moments throughout their childhood matters immensely.
Here’s how you can contribute to healthy self-esteem in your child.
For one, do not praise them excessively. Yes, when your child accomplishes something great, you feel extremely proud and want to shower them with applause and a flood of compliments.
However, excessive praise can actually hurt your child more than help. Children can tell when you’re being over the top. So how do you dial it down? You can be more direct in your compliments rather than speak in general terms.
When your child shows off a new piece of artwork, don’t just say that it’s beautiful or awesome. Point out specific details you like about it, such as the colors they used or the way they added certain dots and lines in their sketches.
Another thing you can do is to spend quality time with your child. Play with them and have fun with them. It shows that you care to connect with them and enjoy their company. Even reading a bedtime story to them each night can be a significant interaction.
Furthermore, teach your child that no one is perfect. Striving for perfection is impossible, and making mistakes is part of the human experience.
Vasyl – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual people
Mistakes do not equate to failure. Rather, they are opportunities you can learn from. Additionally, emphasize the importance of making progress and putting in the effort.
When your child inevitably makes a mistake or acts out, avoid shaming them for it. Would you yell at or ridicule an adult for committing an error? Probably not. So extend that same level of respect for your child and speak in a calm tone.
Building your child’s self-esteem may take some effort, but just know that you’re helping to set them up for success in the future.
If true crime defines your free time, this is for you: join Chip Chick’s True Crime Tribe
Everything You Need To Know About Growing Basil In Your Garden
Sign up for Chip Chick’s newsletter and get stories like this delivered to your inbox.
More About:Parenting