How To Help Children Improve Their Self-esteem, In 7 Keys
Childhood is a stage of life that is key in many aspects. Not only do you learn the basic functioning of reality, but you also lay the foundations of what you know about yourself. That is why it is very important know how to help children improve their self-esteem objective to which this article is dedicated.
When you are small and have few resources to face the challenges that the world poses, the role of fathers, mothers, older siblings or guardians It should not be limited to acting as a protective shield, that is, to prevent something bad from coming into contact with the perception of the youngest.
This is because it is impossible to protect completely, on the one hand, and because without the possibility of dealing with certain setbacks in life, one reaches adulthood without the ability to emotionally (or even cognitively) manage complicated situations.
Consequently, the lives of boys and girls must be a balance between protection and the possibility of learning as you go to overcome difficulties. But in this harmony it is relatively easy for some experiences to undermine their self-esteem, given that there will always be room for a situation to overwhelm them due to their relative vulnerability.
Therefore, it is good to monitor the development of their self-esteem, intervening when self-esteem is low. How to do the latter? Below you will find several basic recommendations, although all of them must be adapted to the specific context in which the minor lives.
1. Help him find friends with his interests
In childhood, the simple fact of not fitting in with a peer group due to hobbies, can mean being excluded and isolated But, fortunately, as adults we can help the little ones find other children in the environment with whom they can get along and share interests.
2. Recognize their achievements
Lack of time does not have to be an obstacle to congratulating children on their achievements. Ultimately, the entire stage of childhood is a constant learning process so it will be easy for moments of this type to occur, and many of them may even have a special meaning for the youngest members of the house.
3. Don’t label them
Making them assume a label that defines who they are is a mistake, since it encourages them not to set objectives and goals beyond the limited repertoire of roles and attitudes expected of them. That is why, from their point of view, everything in which they perceive they fail may be attributable to limitations related to its supposed essence
4. Spend time together
Something that also serves to reinforce children’s self-esteem is to make them see that they are important to us and that we care about their point of view, their opinions, their interests… If this is accompanied by the expression of affection, they will feel more supported
Already from childhood, the effect of leading a healthy life has an impact on self-esteem. It is not about fitting into the canons of what is considered aesthetic but by being healthy we feel with more energy and ability to face everyday life.
Therefore, a healthy and balanced diet, an adequate level of hygiene and regular exercise are your allies.
6. Avoid comparisons
At such a young age, it is difficult to fully understand the nuances necessary to constructively assimilate a comparison with other people, especially if the latter are your age. Therefore, it is better to avoid comparisons. Among other things, because they can also end up functioning as a way to label and limit your possibilities.
7. Encourage him to develop projects
Proposing projects and seeing your progress is an excellent way to improve self-esteem at any age, since They allow you to see what you are capable of Therefore, it is good for children to do it from a young age: not everything is based on working on tasks that are required to be completed because of school.
