Self Esteem
Self Esteem
Most children will have dips in self-esteem as they go through different stages or challenges in life. Starting a new school, moving house, changes in the family and many other factors can affect a child’s confidence, but with support from parents and other adults they usually get through this.
Here are some thing you can do that can really help:
- Show your child lots of love and be positive about them as a person – tell them what makes them special to you
- Set an example of having a positive attitude when faced with challenges.
- Let them know you value effort rather than perfection.
- Encourage them to try new challenges, and celebrate them for trying.
- Help them set goals and make plans for things they’d like to accomplish.
- Let them know they should not to be afraid to voice their ideas and opinions.
- Give praise for their successes, and don’t focus on areas where they have not done so well.
- Reassure them it's okay to make mistakes and that it's all part of life
- If you are unhappy with their behaviour, tell them, but make clear that you still love them.
- Acknowledge their feelings and help them express their feelings in words. For example, encourage them to say, "I'm upset because..." or "I feel happy when..."
- Challenge them when they criticise themselves
- Help children discover and develop their talents, through clubs, groups and activities.
- Allocate 20 minutes each day to chat, laugh, and do something together.
- If you are worried your child’s low self-esteem is affecting their day to day life, relationships or ability to learn and develop, talk to us. You can speak to a member of SLT, our FSW or your child's class teacher.