How to build kids' self-esteem

May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and the best way to ensure that your teen has good self-esteem is to put energy into helping them build their self-esteem from childhood. The earlier you start thinking about these things, the better the head start you can give your child! Read on to learn why kids’ self-esteem matters, and how to assist them in building a strong, positive self-image.

Why Self-Esteem is So Important for Kids

When children have a positive view of themselves, they feel confident enough to take on new things and try their best. Children are more likely to cope with mistakes if they have good self-esteem. When they fail, it teaches them that success is something that requires repeated attempts. As a result, children are able to do better in school, at home, and with friends.

Kids with low self-esteem may feel like they’re worthless, and they might hesitate to get involved in new activities if they feel like no one would accept them. They might allow themselves to be bullied by others if they don’t feel brave enough to stick up for themselves. Kids with low self-esteem are more likely to quit activities too easily or refuse to try in the first place. Because of this, they may not do as well as they might have.

How Kids Gain Healthy Self-Esteem

Self-esteem building can start as early as babyhood. It can take a while to accumulate. It can originate simply because a child feels safety, love, and acceptance. It can also commence when a baby is made to feel happy and properly cared for.

Newborns are born reliant on others for all of their needs. Gradually, toddlers and children begin to take more control of their own life. They gain confidence and pride when they successfully complete simple tasks by themselves. Self-esteem grows when parents pay attention, allow their children to try new things, smile at them, and show their pride.

How to Help Your Child Build Self-Esteem

All children are different. Some may feel more confident about themselves than others. Many children will face things that can decrease their self-esteem, but it is possible to increase their self-esteem in spite of that. Below are steps parents can take to make kids feel good about themselves.

Help your child learn to do things.

Every age has something new for kids to learn, and it’s delightful when they finally learn things like how to hold a cup or take their first steps. As your child matures, things like reading, learning to dress themselves, or learning to ride a bike will bring him or her greater self-esteem.

If you’re trying to teach kids something, the best thing to do is show them what to do and give them the tools they need. Give them opportunities to practice, even if they make mistakes. Try to create an environment for your child where they have a chance to succeed and have a go at something, but don’t make it too difficult to start out.

Praise your child but do it wisely.

Naturally, it’s beneficial to praise children. The praise you offer communicates that you’re proud of them. Despite the good intentions, certain approaches to praising children can backfire.

Here’s how to do it right:

Empty words of praise seem disingenuous. So make sure to provide honest appreciation in a meaningful way, focusing on what they tried to do, not on the outcome. Praise them even if they didn’t have the best performance.

Instead of complimenting them for how great they are, or on something that they did well, make the praise primarily about effort, progress, and attitude.

Be a good role model.

When you work hard in your day-to-day activities (like raking leaves, making a meal, cleaning up dishes, or washing the car), you are setting a good example for your child. You are teaching them to put effort into completing their homework, tidying up toys, or making the bed.

When you display the right attitude while doing your daily tasks, you will also set an example for your child to follow. If you don’t rush through your chores and if you take pride in your work, you teach your child those same good habits.

Ban harsh criticism.

For kids, the messages they hear from others can have a big impact on how they see themselves. Unpleasant remarks have an especially negative effect. Parents pay attention when children hear negative messages about themselves. Stay patient with them and correct them with kindness. Put a focus on what you want them to do next time. When it’s necessary, show them how.

Focus on strengths.

Notice what your child How to Build Kids' Self-Esteemis good at and enjoys, and make sure your child has the opportunity to do these things. Focusing on what a child is good at as opposed to what they are not so good at can lead to them feeling good about themselves, which can also lead to an improvement in behavior.

Let kids help and give.

A good way to build self-esteem is for kids to get the chance to see how their work makes a difference to others. Kids can help at home, complete a service project at school, or do a favor for a sibling. Caring, kind actions build a sense of self-worth and confidence.

Looking for Other Activities to Boost Self-Esteem for Kids?

Kids gain self-confidence when they do things they love. Find the perfect activity to spark your child’s passion on Wondrfly!