How children see themselves is crucial, especially during their formative years. This is why international schools in Manila make certain that they include it as an important part of their curriculum. One of the significant elements in personal growth is self-esteem. By basic definition, it is the confidence instilled within one’s self. Having it means that you are not only confident, but you are also someone who respects yourself and your abilities.
Instilling self-esteem in children is vital in molding them into assertive and happy individuals. To help guide you and your children, here are some tips that will help improve their self-esteem:
Teach them how to communicate with others
One of the best ways you could help develop self-esteem in your children is by teaching them to connect with others. For example, you could show them how to start a conversation with new acquaintances or how to act at a party.
Educating them these things would surely aid them be more confident when they interact with other people.
Praise them for their efforts
When it comes to rewarding and praising your children, it is better to praise them not for their good results, but for the effort that they put into making them happen in the first place.
Praising them for working hard would make them feel more fulfilled. Plus, it would help them realize that they could accomplish things by themselves, which will greatly impact their self-esteem.
Allow them to make their own choices
When it comes to decision making, there are times that you should allow your children to make some choices independently. Eventually, giving them this ability to decide for themselves would instill confidence in themselves.
Let them pursue their hobbies and interests
Having hobbies and interests is natural, especially for children. This is why letting them pursue the things that they want to do would help them learn new skills, interact with different people, and become a confident individual. For example, having them participate in sports helps them build a bond with their teammates as well as experience shared victories, which could further result in developing their leadership and sportsmanship.
Avoid name-calling and sarcasm
One of the biggest factors in affecting one’s self-esteem is the proper use of language. Your words, as their parents, have the power to improve or diminish your children’s self-esteem.
Saying something negative or hurtful could make them doubt themselves, which ultimately weakens their self-esteem. This is why it is best to use positive language when talking to your children.
Do not compare them with other children
One of the worst things you could do to hurt your children’s self-esteem is to compare them to other kids (e.g. their friends and their classmates). This could put a dent in their self-esteem and could instill insecurity. Instead, you could focus on helping them improve their skills and while positively affirming them.
Spend time with your children
A great way to develop your children’s confidence and personality is by spending some quality time with them. It is significant to spend it with them as well as know more about what they are doing during the day or if they have some doubts and questions about themselves.
By spending time with them, you would be able to help them find the best solutions and give them wise advice that they could use.
Key Takeaway
Self-esteem is an important part of personal growth, which is why it is crucial, as a parent, to build it within your children as early as possible.
With the right balance of firm instruction and nurturing care, they would develop self-esteem and have the confidence to succeed in their future endeavors.
