Your Child’s Self Esteem

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A self-confident child will excel in all areas of life.  When a child is confident and sure of his worth, he will do well in academics and other activities, and have a great social life.

Self-esteem is very important for your child’s physical and mental well-being.

There are so many factors that can affect the fragile self-esteem of your child.  A child looks for approval from his own family, neighborhood, school and friends.  As a parent you should be vigilant and monitor his relationships from afar.

The moment you feel that something is affecting your child in a negative way, take every step possible to resolve the problem before it negatively affects your child’s confidence. Below are some useful tips to help raise a confident child .

Your child is an individual, recognize it

Often parents are too bothered about or affected by their child’s performance.  They disregard the child as a person.  This leads a child to question his own aptitude and choices.  While it is important to mentor your child and guide him/her through his activities, it is important to acknowledge the child as a person.

Talk to the child

Do not over-parent the child.  Talk in a friendly and approachable manner.  Many parents sermonize or lecture.  Children do not listen to this.  Converse with the children and during the conversation give them advice about different areas essential to their well-being such as health, life and society.  They will listen to you and retain the knowledge.

Listen to them

Children often feel overwhelmed by the world.  They look to adults who can advise them on their problems, dreams and desires.  These are important topics of discussion for parents.  Children are more likely to come to you if you are approachable and if they think you will understand them.  It is very important to be a patient listener as it will lead to a better understanding of your child.

Acknowledge their achievements

Praise is positive feedback that always works, for both adults and children.  Your child will be thrilled by a simple pat on the back and an acknowledgement of a job well done.

A small reward and an acknowledgement from you will act as positive reinforcement and motivate the child to do better.  It really boosts the child’s confidence.

Respect your child’s choices

Your child may want to learn martial arts or cooking.  If you want the child to be confident, start respecting his choices even if you think it is a waste of time or irrelevant.  He is a separate individual and has his own likes and dislikes.  Acknowledge them and encourage him/her to be the best cook or whatever he wants to become.