Building Your Child's Self-Esteem

from Minnesota Extension Service University of Minnesota

How do you want your child to feel about himself? Do you want baby to grow up thinking she is a good person, able to handle things in life? Do you want him to get along with others and to share his feelings? The way a person feels about herself is called "self-esteem." High self-esteem means feeling good about yourself.

Children with high self-esteem do better in school and in life. Self-esteem begins at home. If you want your child to develop high self-esteem, you have to feel good about your child and let him know. How can you do this? Tell baby you think she is a great child. Tell baby that he is important to you. Share lots of hugs, kisses and smiles. Give her some of your undivided attention each day -- really listen to your child.

When your child does something you don't like, you can choose to correct him in a way that won't hurt his self esteem. Don't yell at your child or tell her she is a rotten child. Instead, say, "I get mad when you...." Baby will learn without feeling like a failure. Be fair and consistent; teach your child to make good choices.

Try to point out at least five things baby does right each day. You can say, "I like the nice way you are petting the kitty," or, "Look at how well you stack those blocks!" or "You are playing with your sister very nicely."

Say, "please," and, "thank you," to your children. Children are people too. When you say please and thank you, they learn to respect themselves and others.

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