Self-Esteem

It’s important to foster self-esteem in your child.  A child who feels good about him/herself will feel capable, confident, and worthy. 

Build your child’s confidence and feelings of worth

• focus on the strengths of your child
• focus on what’s good about the situation
• accept your child as he/she is
• have faith in your child
• teach and encourage your child to try new things
• recognize his/her efforts
• believe in your child
• respect your child
• praise him/her for their efforts and improvements
• spend time with your child (play, cuddle, read, sing, talk and listen)
• provide structure and consistent routines (mealtimes, bedtime, discipline)
• have realistic expectations
• avoid comparing
• avoid encouraging competition

Encouraging Words

• “I like the way you…..”
• “I know you can……”
• “ I appreciate that you…..”
• “It looks like you worked very hard….”
• “You’re improving…”