IMPROVING SELF -ESTEEM IN CHILDREN

Self-esteem is liking yourself.  It is believing in yourself and what you do. Everybody needs to feel like a  worthwhile person. Self-esteem helps children try new things without too much fear of failing. It helps children   make friends  and manage any problems they come across. Good self-esteem builds a solid foundation for life.

Self-esteem  tends to fall in many children when they start school.

This is because they have to cope in a strange new situation with lots of other new children and new rules to learn. Self-esteem in the primary school years is about how well children manage the learning tasks of the school, how they do at sport, how they look and how they can make friends with other children. Conflicts at home, such as parents fighting with each other, can affect children’s self-esteem. So can problems at school, such as having trouble with schoolwork, being bullied or not having friends.

Here are some things that you can do to help your child´s self-esteem.

*  Tell your child often that you love him. Let him know  you are glad he is who he  is.

*  Show your child that you love him by spending time with him, listening to his point of view, and being willing to help him achieve his goals. For example, drive him to sport´s class and watch him when he plays.

*  Encourage friendships. Make his friends welcome and get to know them.

*  Provide help with schoolwork if he needs extra support. But don’t always focus on what he is not good at. Children need to practice what they are good at to feel successful.

*Talk with the teacher. A good relationship between school and home is very important.

*  Help your child to explore any hobbies that he is interested in.

*  Help your child feel that he is needed in your family. Keeping in mind your child’s age, ask and expect some help with the family chores, such as feeding pets, setting the table (tasks that contribute to the family, not just cleaning up his own mess).

* When you play games with him, make sure that he has opportunities to win. Children who occasionally win find it easier to be good losers.

* Keep little family rituals. For example, a story at bedtime, a special goodbye kiss or other ways of doing things that are special to your family.

* Don’t solve all problems for your child. Help him  learn problem-solving skills and learn to feel that he can manage many things for himself. Show your child that you have faith in him

 

 

Mrs. Esthela Guadalupe Gonzalez Mendoza