The Importance of Self-Esteem

By doing a few simple things, you can help your child develop healthy self-esteem:

• Be warm and encouraging with them.
• Give your child all the attention they need.
• Acknowledge their successes.
• Try not to say hurtful things or compare them to others.

You can show interest in your child by being aware of their interests and passions. Children also love it when their parents tell them about their own memories and experiences!

A few more good ideas:

• Show you are interested in what they’re doing. 
• Have fun with them.
• Value their ideas.
• Remind them of their successes. 

Parents can encourage their children to develop their own tastes and interests by:

• Valuing their strengths, successes and efforts
• Offering them support when they are having trouble
• Letting them make mistakes
• Encouraging them to express their feelings and emotions

You can help your child develop a sense of independence and increase their self-esteem by:

• Giving them responsibilities that suit their abilities
• Encouraging them to make decisions
• Respecting their choices and interests

Observe your child. If they have a healthy sense of self-esteem they will:

• Trust grown ups
• Recognize their strengths and abilities
• Be able to deal with new events
• Know how to cope with difficulty
• Know that they should be respected
• Take initiative
• Cooperate with others
• Solve conflicts peacefully
• Be independent
• Know how to be assertive