7 Tips for Building Self-Esteem in Kids
1. CONNECT
Dinner conversations are one way to really listen and engage with kids. It shows them that their lives are just as important as their parents. Create fun, simple activities that you can do as a family. Once in a while, your kids might want to tweak your idea, or come up with their own. LET THEM! The lesson that their ideas are inspiring, possible, and exciting for their parents is way more important than what you had planned…trust me.
2. MODEL SELF-ESTEEM
Oh boy…this can be a hard one! Kids are copy cats; and, they are paying far more attention to our actions than anything else. Imagine the impact of a parent who is strong and confident in him/herself. Building self-esteem in your kids can be as simple as finding it in yourself.
Squash the myth of perfection. Let yourself and your kids see that Mom and Dad are growing, learning, and changing, just like their child is.
Celebrate your successes and admit your failures. When you achieve something, give yourself a pat on the back and make sure the kids are in earshot. “Wow, I really like this dinner! I’m glad I decided to try something new!”
3. ENCOURAGE INDEPENDENCE
By establishing routines in your daily life, you let kids know what to expect. When they can prepare themselves and move easily from one thing to the next, it is an extra boost of confidence.
When setting up routines, make tasks as kid-friendly as possible. Let them approach challenges and learn new skills in the safety of their own space. This low risk independence will help them become comfortable with the process of trial and error.
Let your kids help with chores. They will learn new skills, spend time with you, and get a special feeling of pride that hard work fosters.
4. RESPECT THEIR CHOICES
Make an “I Like Me” book. This is a great opportunity for your little ones to share what they think is so wonderful about themselves.
Helping kids use conflict resolution is a great way to give kids the tools they need to solve problems, while embedding the idea that they are capable of handling themselves in o their little brains. It’s a Win-Win!
5. LEARN AND TEACH NEW SKILLS
Let your kids climb a tree, experiment with food, play in the mud, or whatever else they are drawn to. These playful lessons are not only teaching them skills, they are building their confidence to tackle more challenging problems in the future.
Start a garden; or, just grow a sunflower. Plants and gardens are a great way for kids to see the results of their hard work. They can be responsible for something; and, while they must be patient, often times, progress is easy to observe.
6. EXPRESS Emotion
Make an art journal, as a family or individually.
Help kids feel safe and comfortable with their range of emotions. Then, they will feel more in control with their behavior. And, that is a major self-esteem builder.
7. APPRECIATE MISTAKES
Learn how to accept mistakes and encourage creative thinking. Knowing how to handle mistakes, accepting mistakes, and learning how beneficial they are goes a long way towards confidence too.
Source: amomwithalessonplan.com/self-esteem