As parents, we worry about a lot of things in our child’s life. Typically, we prioritize physical wellbeing
and often forget about their mental well-being and self-esteem.
It is okay if you have done this once or twice, but I am here to inform you on how you can help with your child’s self-esteem to ensure your child is healthy and happy in every way possible.
The first thing you can do to boost your child’s self-esteem is to help them do things. Demonstrate how you would hold a cup, brush your hair, ride a bike, or even drive and then allow them to have a try. Encourage your child to always do their best and explain that they don’t need to be perfect because no one ever is. Secondly, praise their efforts.
When they don’t win a game, reassure them that they did the best they could and you are proud of them. Let them know you are proud of their efforts and you see their hard work. Consequently, be honest with them when you praise them or speak to them.
Be a good role model for them to follow. Model kindness and right attitude towards failure or disappointment, your child is always watching and will learn from watching you. Also, avoid being critical so that you will not affect how they feel about themselves.
Being too harsh or giving them negative statements only hurt their self-esteem. Be patient and focus on what you would like for them to do next time, and take the time to show them how.
Always focus on their strengths and pay attention at what your child does well and enjoys. Allow them to have a chance to develop these strengths, if they like music find a teacher to give them lessons and the same with sports.
Make sure that you encourage healthy friendships with their peers. Teach your child that the best friends are those who treat them well, uplift them, and hold them accountable. They should choose friends who they can be themselves around and who encourage them to be better versions of
themselves. Finally, allow your child to help and give to others.
Your child can help at home, do a service project at school or church, or even do a favor for a sibling. By helping other people and doing kind acts they build their self-esteem and other good feelings. I hope that these tips are helpful for you and your child. For m ore information on the Dumas School District, download the free DSD Bobcats app available on the Apple Store and Google Play.
