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Home › Articles › You and Your Children › Super Self-esteem

Super Self-esteem

5 Tips for a More Confident Child

By Joy Frost

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As a teacher with over 25 years of experience, I have often been asked for advice by parents about how they can help their children develop high self-esteem. It is widely accepted that high self-esteem, the collection of positive beliefs about oneself, is the single most important factor in leading a happy and successful life.

Children with high self-esteem are able to express their ideas willingly, share their feelings and opinions assertively and take risks. Children with high self-esteem use failure as a message to approach a problem differently and to try again until success is achieved. High self-esteem gives forth an "I can do it" attitude.

How can we help to develop a child's self-esteem? Since self-esteem is an internal feeling, it can only be developed by the child. That is why we can encourage a child and create a nurturing, safe environment, but not change what a child thinks of himself or herself.

What can parents do to provide a nurturing environment where self-esteem can flourish?

Model Good Self-esteem
You are the role model for your child. Express through your actions and words that you respect yourself and others. Children are great imitators. As a high school student, I was a frequent babysitter for my sister Gerry's two young children. One day as my sister ran out the door she yelled back to me, "Don't let them play Gerry and Joe!" I was confused. However, an hour or so later it became clear. My 7-year-old niece and my 5-year-old nephew were acting out the relationship that they witness in their home. They became their parents, Gerry and Joe. Well, let's just say that we all know about "too much information!" If you think you need to do so, work on boosting your own self-esteem. Children are watching and absorbing.

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