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.