Self-esteem is learned through relationships with significant others people in our lives. If a young person is accepted by others; he or she accepts himself/herself as a person of dignity and worth.
- Spend one-on-one time with your child on a daily basis.
- Involve your child in family decision-making. This not only makes them truly feel a part of the family, but empowers them to feel competent in helping make decisions.
- When your child misbehaves, show disapproval for the act, not the child.
- Use descriptive praise in regards to your child’s accomplishments. (ie: Instead of saying: “That is a beautiful painting.” Describe what you see: “I see you have put a lot of time into this project. Look at all the colors and shapes you used to make this picture.”)
- When your child is upset, do not minimize the distress he feels. When a child’s frustration is understood, they tend to relax inside.
- Place emphasis on your child’s strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.
