Raising Children With Self-esteem
Self-esteem is a concept that is receiving more and more attention. Although this term is sometimes used as something banal or ambiguous, it is actually one of the fundamental pillars of a healthy and adapted personality. This is why I am going to share with you some important information to raise children with self-esteem.
What is self esteem?
Self-esteem is the set of perceptions, thoughts, feelings and judgments about ourselves. It is what I think and feel about myself and the degree of satisfaction I present with who I am.
Self-esteem is not something innate, we are not born with it. On the contrary, it is a concept that develops throughout our lives and that can be modified; Even if a child already has low self-esteem, we can help improve it.
Why is self-esteem so important?
Many times we have heard and repeated that phrase “love your neighbor as yourself . ” However, for whatever reason, too many times we forget the last part: we forget that loving ourselves is the first step, and it is imperative.
Children with good self-esteem
- Children with good self-esteem feel valued, accepted, and safe. They have the confidence to try new things and explore their environment.
- This belief in their own abilities prompts them to do their best when faced with a task, and to take pride in what they are capable of doing.
- They know how to tolerate frustration when something doesn’t work out the first time and they are able to adapt and try again. They do not perceive the error as a personal failure, but as part of learning, and for that reason they do not judge themselves harshly.
- This way of seeing life leads them to perform better both in school and in social and family life.
Children with low self-esteem
- Children with low self-esteem lack self-confidence and feel insecure. They feel that they are not as good as others, they doubt their abilities and tend to focus on the negative aspects.
- When it comes to trying new environments or activities, they are likely to give up easily or not even try, as they have difficulty managing a mistake or failure and are often highly critical and tough on themselves.
- It can be hard for them to integrate, especially if they feel that others do not accept them. And they are even likely to allow other people to treat them badly, since they have a hard time defending themselves.
- As a result, they do not perform as well as they could in any area of their life, as fear overshadows their potential.
How to raise children with self-esteem?
- Love it unconditionally. Show affection by repeating that you love him, regardless of what he does. When correcting it, be sure to make it clear that it is the particular behavior that is wrong and not the person.
- Give it your attention. Find moments when you are alone with your child and look him in the eye when he talks to you. In this way you show that you listen to it and that it is really important to you.
- Offer him options. From the age of two, a child has the ability to decide on small things, and this will convey the idea that you trust his decision-making ability.
- Set clear and consistent boundaries. This will help you feel safe.
- Allow them to make mistakes and promote their independence. Encourage him to do homework on his own, and if he does it wrong, don’t correct it right away, let him just discover the mistake and find a better option.
- Avoid comparisons. It highlights the idea that we are all different and have our own talents. Teach him to admire and learn from others rather than envy them, and to be proud of his own strengths rather than comparing himself.
- Develops your ability to adapt. Teach him to face the challenges of life and remind him that the important thing is not to get it the first time, but to try with determination and confidence.
- Accept their emotions and tantrums. Help him identify and manage his emotions.
- Be an example of self-esteem. Express pride in your accomplishments and avoid saying negative things about yourself.
- Provide a positive environment. Get him used to talking every night about the good things that were in his day, and every morning to repeating the great qualities he has.
