BUILDING YOUR CHILD'S SELF-ESTEEM

Self-esteem is a term used to describe how people feel about themselves and is learned through experiences beginning from birth. When someone feels good about himself, it is said that he has a high self-esteem. All people can benefit from having high self-esteem. Kids who have good self-esteem are generally happier and are less likely to become involved in risky behaviors like drug use.

How can you help build your child's self-esteem? Here are some tips:

Give your child lots of praise, love, and affection. This helps children feel worthy.
Teach children to learn to do things themselves. This helps them feel competent.
Teach them to feel proud about their family history, and culture. These things help children feel connected to the past, and to the future.
Give them choices. This helps them feel empowered.
Help them set realistic goals. This helps them feel successful.
Believe in your child, and treat him as an honest person. This helps them to feel trustworthy.
Help them accept mistakes and failure by being supportive and offering constructive feedback. This helps them realize that these types of hurdles are a normal part of living.

Pay attention to your child. Listen to what he has to say each day. Find the special qualities that make your child unique, and compliment him. By building your child's self-esteem, you are helping him learn the skills to stand up for himself throughout life.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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