Building Self-Esteem

Growing up, I was a lot different than I am today. Except when I was with my family, I was a shy, quiet girl with self-esteem and self-confidence issues. As I grew up, I worked through those issues and became the person I am today. That’s not to say I don’t have my moments of regression, but it’s not who I am anymore.

Since it’s something that I went through, I worry about self-esteem issues for my children as well. I want to help them grow up with a strong foundation of happiness, strength, self-worth and self-esteem, something I’m sure we all want for our kids. I’ve been reading different articles and different sites for more ideas on how to make sure I am doing this. I found a lot of great tips and resources and I wanted to share them.

Self-Esteem Feature

1. One point that I read a lot was to instil self-confidence and a positive body image in your kids. You can do this by ensuring that you yourself  have a positive self image. If we put ourselves down, our children will learn from us. If we are proud of ourselves, on the inside and out, then that’s how are children will more likely feel about themselves as well.

2. I loved this idea from Dr. Sears: The Wall of Fame. Have a wall is your house to display your child’s achievements. It can be anything from sports ribbons, to a great picture they drew to a certificate from a program they are in, showcase it!

3. I found this really interesting, Overpraising kids does more harm than good. If you OVER compliment your kids,  you’re lowering the bar from them saying they are already amazing at this and don’t need to try anymore. And constantly complimenting can erode self-esteem by telling them they are perfect or have to be perfect, an impossible standard. Plus, beware of the fact that you might be creating an egomaniac 🙂

4. Let your child make age appropriate choices for themselves and let them help around the house, it’s a big help with building self-esteem and confidence.

5. And of course, pay attention to your child and give them unconditional love. Make sure to take some time out to give your little one some undivided attention and give them with hugs and kisses. Both of these will go a long way in making your child feel important, valuable and unconditionally loved. (BabyCenter.com)

Self-esteem for my kids is something I do think about because it’s something I had to deal with. Is it something you worry about? If so, what are some of the things you do to promote positive self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image in your home and with your kids?

11 thoughts on “Building Self-Esteem

  1. Thank you for this post. I actually like to talk to my kids daily about everything. My kids (10 & 14) tell me about their self esteem issues, which I try to discuss with them and make them see differently. But its still hard for them to believe me because I’m mom. It’s what they see, read, or hear from other kids and I’m fighting media to show them otherwise. Communication with the kids is the key (In my opinion) 🙂

    1. That’s so great that you are so involved with your kids and talking to them about this important subject. Communication is definitely really important!

  2. 1st paragraph sounds just like me. I worry about this with my son, who’s much like I was. Love your tips! Karate with some amazing teachers helped to boost his confidence big time. It’s good to have an awesome role model who helps them see their strengths besides mom & dad.

  3. I especially loved the last point. The safety of being loved unconditionally at home really allows for experimentation, risk of failure and builds resilience. I’m working hard to learn this myself and teach it to my son.

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