| As parents we know that building our child's sense of | | | | which give him pleasure and which he can pursue |
| self esteem is important. Child development specialists | | | | independently. These can help him develop various |
| tell us. However knowing it is important is not the same | | | | skills which may help build confidence as well as |
| as knowing how to give your child a strong sense of | | | | provide comfort and distraction in difficult times. Also |
| self worth. There is no simple strategy but there are | | | | these may well provide common ground to further |
| several effective techniques parents can use to help | | | | social interaction with others. |
| boost self esteem in their child. | | | | Let Them Work It Out With Peers |
| Let Them Know Their Value | | | | Children must learn to work out disputes with siblings, |
| The most important strategy is to show and tell your | | | | friends, and classmates without adult intervention. As |
| child how much you value him and appreciate him. | | | | they grow older they won't always be under direct |
| Spend time with him, talk to him and really listen to | | | | adult supervision, but also learning to work through |
| what he has to say, and appreciate the things that | | | | social challenges can help build confidence and self |
| interest him. | | | | esteem. Another important social tool is the ability to |
| Empower Them To Make Decisions | | | | cope with teasing. Help your child develop "tease |
| You should also teach your child about decision-making | | | | tolerance" by pointing out that some teasing can't hurt |
| and to recognize when she has made a good decision. | | | | and exploring the reasons why some kids tease. |
| Children make decisions all the time but often are not | | | | Show Them Their Strengths |
| aware that they are doing so. There are a number of | | | | When your child succeeds at something reinforce that |
| ways parents can help children improve their ability to | | | | success by pointing out how far he has come by not |
| consciously make wise decisions. Start first by giving | | | | giving up. When your child fails point out the other |
| children the ability to make decisions, for example | | | | success he has enjoyed, especially those that were |
| about what to wear for the day, and then live with the | | | | accomplished after a failure. |
| consequences, such as being too hot in a long sleeve | | | | Teach Them To Laugh |
| shirt on the beach. Then gradually expand the scope | | | | Laugh with your children and encourage them to laugh |
| of their decisions and discuss the problems and | | | | at themselves. People who take themselves very |
| solutions involved to help the child evaluate the | | | | seriously are undoubtedly decreasing their enjoyment |
| decisions they make. | | | | in life. A good sense of humor and the ability to make |
| Make Them Responsible For Their Emotions | | | | light of life are important ingredients for increasing one's |
| Let children know they create and are responsible for | | | | overall enjoyment. Laughter is a great stress reliever |
| any feeling they experience. Likewise, they are not | | | | and a good way to make friends. Laughing at your |
| responsible for others' feelings. Avoid blaming children | | | | mistakes and at life's challenges help teach children to |
| for how you feel. Model appropriate ways to respond | | | | put trouble in perspective and cope with challenges. |
| to their emotions. | | | | Using these seven strategies can help build your child's |
| Help Them Find Their Niche | | | | self esteem and help them lead a happier and more |
| Encourage your child to develop hobbies and interests | | | | successful life. |
