Blog Archive ? Improving Your Child's Self-Esteem

Parents can play a significant role in the development of their children?s self-esteem. Parents? actions provide a framework for their children to observe and learn from, which guides a child?s development of self-image and self-concept. While parents? intentions may not be malicious, it is easy to say or do something hurtful when stressed out or distracted, which may be harmful in the long run. Eventually your children and teens will become adults and have to make it on their own, so establishing a healthy level of self-esteem while they are young will help them succeed and live a happier life. Today?s blog is going to talk about the importance of criticism, praise, respecting what they have to say, and more!

Tips to positively influence self-esteem:

• Be careful with criticism. Without criticism we are not able to learn from mistakes and improve, but criticism is only helpful when constructive. Demeaning and hurtful statements like ?why can?t you do better?? or comparisons like ?your sister never had trouble with math? are destructive to self-esteem. Each child is different and each child will have strengths and weaknesses. Just because you were good at math or a sibling was good at reading right from the start does not mean your child will be. With the proper help, support, and encouragement your child can develop skills in numerous areas of life.

• Acknowledge their achievements. Constructive criticism and discipline help children learn and grow into independent adults, but you must not forget the importance of praise. Sometimes we are too quick to point out flaws while not fully acknowledging their accomplishments and the effort children put into what they do. ?I am not advocating for insincere compliments or excessive praise, but it is important to notice and congratulate them on their achievements.

• Respect their opinions. As children grow up they begin to develop opinions in a number of areas, and these opinions can be very important to them. If possible, try to ask for their opinions on small things like what color to paint the living room. Asking for their opinion makes them feel included and lets them know you think their opinions are worthwhile. When it comes to bigger issues, you might not always agree, but please respect their opinions regardless.

• Listen to them. As I?m sure you know from your own experiences, being able to talk openly with someone about what is going on in your life helps you reflect. Give them your full attention and listen when they talk to you. Having this time to talk can help them work out their thoughts, solve problems, and keep you informed about what?s going on in their life.

• Support the activities they love. For children, finding something they are passionate about and excel in is great for boosting self-esteem. All activities are bound to make them face challenges as they advance. Overcoming these challenges will help them build confidence in themselves and their abilities.

• Encourage them to solve problems. At all ages children are going to run into problems with family, friends, school, etc. Being able to calmly problem solve and deal with conflict are important life skills to learn. Encouraging them to practice these skills when they are younger will help them approach bigger conflicts later on in life with more confidence. You can start by explicitly modeling how you solve problems and deal with conflict.

• Discuss the media. The media has been found to have an influence on what girls AND boys think about how they should look and act. Make sure to talk to them about what they see in the media so they understand that it does not necessarily represent what they could or should be.

We have put together a comprehensive list of websites, books for parents and kids, as well as downloads, about a variety of topics, that may be helpful in the Resources page of our site.

Give us a call if you think your child or teen might have problems with their self esteem, 360.236.0206 or 866.616.GYRO (4976).? We?re partners in your child?s wellness!

Gyro Psychology Services

Olympia, Washington

360.236.0206

866.616.GYRO (4976)

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Source: http://gyropsychology.com/blog/improving-your-child%E2%80%99s-self-esteem/

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