The self-esteem It is defined as the appreciation or consideration that one has of oneself and is fundamental for all people and especially for the development of children. As it concerns our personal worth, it can affect our way of being, of acting in our environment and of relating to others.
All people are able to develop positive self-esteem, which helps them feel capable and valuable and feel accepted as people. Self-esteem, which is shaped from childhood, is essential for psychological health, since its lack can cause psychological, somatic, affective, behavioral disorders ... That is why today we want to know nine keys to strengthening children's self-esteem.
But why do we want children with good self-esteem? Healthy self-esteem sets the pillars to protect people from the challenges and vital setbacks. In the face of conflicts and negative pressures, it is essential that children feel good about themselves. In this way, all situations are handled better, life is more enjoyed and ultimately it is happier. Children with good self-esteem are realistic, active, open, relate more easily to others and are generally optimistic.
On the other hand, those with low self-esteem suffer greater anxiety and frustration in the face of the challenges and conflicts that will inevitably be in their way and in the face of those who do not find it easy to find solutions. Children with low self-esteem can become passive, withdrawn and have a higher risk of anxiety and depression.
Improve children's self-esteem
Practice attachment, educating children from respect and empathy. When a strong emotional bond is created with parents during childhood, the development of a safe and independent personality is facilitated. Since they are babies, we can put into practice the keys to this type of upbringing and in reality all that follows are ways to strengthen this secure attachment.
We love you, but do we show it? Do we tell him? Must show love to children, with signs of affection through verbal and nonverbal messages, with caresses, hugs, kisses, looks, massages ... Something as simple as telling them that we love them or that we like their eyes, their kisses ... reinforces the self-esteem of the little ones.
Reinforce the successes of your children And not always your mistakes. We can praise the successes so that we reinforce those positive behaviors and, regarding the errors, we must relativize them, setting limits and explaining what is wrong, without shouting or threats. Remember that you should praise positive behaviors immediately to the action and not in the long term, when the reinforcement loses its effectiveness. On the other hand, continuous gifts or prizes are not beneficial for self-esteem, since, also in the future, material goods alone do not contribute to self-esteem.
Avoid exaggerated praise, which can be counterproductive in children with low self-esteem. While praise reinforces the personality (of anyone), it is better not to be excessive in praise because they forget the need to move forward and overcome and do not understand that mistakes help to learn. Parents are the ones who know them the most and we know how to see the best they can offer and offer, the best of his person and not only in the physical but especially in his abilities, abilities ... being realistic and optimistic, without pretending that they are something that they are not.
Relativize the importance of the physical aspect. Few teenagers escape the complexes, but it is essential that our children have a solid foundation that strengthens their confidence. It must be remembered that the physical aspect can give false self-esteem (or "comfort" as the specialists point out), which suppose ephemeral self-esteem and will not really boost confidence and self-respect. Nobody sees their little handsome children, but what matters is what they have inside, because at any moment the outside can "fail" (or they can tell you that it fails, or stereotypes involve us ...) and that should not sink or make them feel inferior
Accept their expressions of feelings, even when they are negative. Anger, anger, sadness ... are part of our personality and do not have to be repressed or punished, just accept them, yes, without allowing violent or disrespectful expressions or behaviors. By accepting their feelings, adopting their views, we listen to their needs, paying attention to what they claim, sometimes with challenging behaviors that we will try to understand.
Sharing games with children is essential for their self-esteem, share a time of leisure and fun, share stories and stories, dances ... A time with which our ties are reinforced and thanks to which they learn a lot. The game is not a prize, it is a fundamental right and the best companions are almost always parents, since they are small.
Value your child's effort, whatever the outcome. It is not always successful, the goal is not always reached, but the effort is a fundamental value for people and for their future achievements. To do this, we must allow them to be autonomous in different activities (according to their ages: exploring crawling, eating, collecting toys, doing homework ...). Gifts, which, as we have said, are not excessively beneficial, may occasionally be suitable as a reward for your effort.
Finally, let's lead by example. If we are a positive role model for our children, without being too hard on ourselves, loving us a little more, being realistic, optimistic and accepting our limitations but trying to overcome each day, the little ones will end up being our reflection. And, as we said at the beginning, self-esteem is essential for anyone.
We hope you are nine keys to strengthening children's self-esteem help us grow happily, which is what we all want after all. Love and communication are the key to achieving positive emotions that strengthen your personality.
Photos | iStock
In Babies and more | Seven books to improve children's self-esteem, Opportunities to increase the child's self-esteem, Five ways to generate positive emotions thanks to relaxation and physical contact
