Self-esteem, the cultivation of a realistic but positive self-image, is one of the foundations of motivation, perseverance and success. In the case of children, it also plays a role in the acquisition of new skills and the development of independence. This is why as a parent you must help develop and maintain your child’s self-esteem.
Why is it important to maintain good self-esteem?
Self-esteem is directly related to the awareness we have of our personal value. This concept must be based on a balance. On the one hand, we must be able to recognize that we are capable of succeeding and that we are worthy of the love and consideration of others (and of ourselves). On the other hand, it is also necessary to admit that we have limitations, flaws and that it is normal to make mistakes and fail.
This inner attitude is of particular importance, especially in children, because it is directly related to the ability to perform tasks and learn and to the way one positions oneself in one’s social environment. Thus, it affects various facets of everyday life:
- Academic success and perseverance;
- The ability to make choices and decisions;
- The ability to develop and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships;
- Dealing with difficulties and failures;
- General attitude and behavior;
- Etc.
How can we develop it?
Self-esteem does not appear by magic; it is built through successes and through the positive and loving gaze of others. As a parent, you can help your child in this process by simple means:
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Give your child attention and praise regularly
Feeling loved and valued is the foundation of self-esteem. That’s why it’s important to spend quality time with your offspring and give them the attention they deserve. In addition, make sure you give her signs of love and appreciation. Encourage and compliment your child, in an honest and sincere way, for his successes (big and small) and good behaviors.
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Make sure you have and project a good image of your child
The way you see your child has a big influence on how he or she sees himself or herself. If you see him positively, trust him and believe in him and his ability to succeed, he is more likely to develop a good self-image.
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Be careful how you reprimand him
It is normal and even desirable that you point out mistakes and behaviors that should not be repeated. However, avoid constant and repeated reprimands, as well as guilt-inducing or humiliating comments, especially in public.
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Maintain and encourage successes
Encourage your child to experience successes, big and small. For example, give them more difficult tasks or challenges that they can handle: doing a new, more complex puzzle, using the milk, improving their French scores, etc. Make sure the difficulty level of the request is high enough to create a sense of accomplishment, but still achievable. If he or she doesn’t succeed, this is also a good time to help your youngster understand that failures are inherent in life and can be overcome!
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Adopt a positive, confident and loving attitude yourself
As mentioned, the love you show your child and the image you project of yourself play an important role in the development of his self-esteem. Thus, by adopting a positive but fair attitude (it is normal to be angry or dissatisfied at times) and by trusting your child, your child should develop a good view of himself.
However, sometimes this process is more difficult for a number of reasons. These are sometimes beyond your control (lack of time and organization, poor perception of yourself, child with learning difficulties, social environment, etc.). In these situations, it can be helpful to seek professional help. The social workers at Clinic GO™ can indeed support you and help you develop strategies to implement at home and elsewhere. Whether it’s through online consultation or in-home, their intervention will undoubtedly help your little love build self-esteem!
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
