Children of all types and abilities need continual self esteem boosts delivered daily. Try the following ten ways to boost your child’s self esteem.
Praise your child for specific behaviors. It’s not enough to say, “You’re a good kid.” Children need to hear specifics, like, “I appreciate how hard you worked on this science project.” They need to hear you mention exactly what they did right.
Pay compliments to your child, commenting on the characteristics that make him or her shine. Try to catch your child doing something good.
Spend time with your child. When you spend time with your child, you’re saying your child is important to you.
Listen attentively when your child speaks. Nod, affirm your child, and ask questions that show you are paying attention and care.
Support your child’s interests. That may mean sending your child to lessons, practicing with your child, and listening to him or her talk about the subject.
Correct your child’s behavior, assuming your child will listen to your correction and change. You need to remain optimistic that this time your child will finally get it, even if it’s a tough issue.
Smile at your child. Many adults don’t realize how serious their expressions are, and how frightening a serious face can be to a child.
Be affectionate with your child. Children flourish under the affection of an adult.
Take note when your child overcomes an obstacle. This can be super effective if your child has struggled to deal with a particular issue for a long time. Your support helps your child believe he or she can overcome.
Hang up medals, ribbons, and certificates where people can see them.
Bonus Tip: Check out parenting books for help building your child’s self esteem. If you have a preteen daughter, read
Reviving Ophelia; if you have kids who can’t get along, read
Siblings Without Rivalry. If you have a son, check out
Raising Cain, and if you have an opinionated, stubborn child, check out
Raising Your Spirited Child.
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Health / Fitness
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