A Positive Self-Image - Key to Your Child's Success

The purpose of this article is to show the connection between a positive self-image and your child's success. This article will give parents and teachers some suggestions on developing a positive self-image in children.

Self-image is a person's private synthesis of the feelings and ideas he has developed about his talents, abilities, behaviors and potentials. A child's self-image can either be positive or negative. A positive self-image leads to a perception of oneself as important, as capable of performing at a normal or superior level and as capable of utilizing learning experiences. A negative self-image, on the other hand, leads to a perception of oneself as inferior or lower than normal, as capable of functioning only at a below-average level, and as incapable of utilizing learning experiences. Educational researchers have discovered that children with a positive self-image perform well academically regardless of race, age or culture.

The benefits of a positive self-image go beyond the scope of high academic achievement. A healthy self-image actually sets the stage for success in life. Children with a positive self-image may be characterized by the following:
· They tend to be high in initiative
· They are outgoing
· They tend to resist social pressures e.g illicit drugs
· They have many friends
· They are not shy to express themselves
· They adapt easily to new situations
· They say positive things about themselves.

Children with these characteristics are better equipped to successfully manage the demanding challenges of school, work, social relationships and life in general.

Parents and teachers can do much to ensure that children develop a positive image of themselves from an early age. I believe that parents and teachers want to see their children become successful members of their communities. Why not give them the tool to achieve this success?

Some Suggestions For Building a Positive Self-image
· Use praise lavishly but appropriately
· Provide adequate opportunities for each child to make meaningful decisions for himself
· Focus on children's strength
· Recognize, respect and encourage individual differences
· Refrain from blame placing when things go wrong
· Cherish and hold each child in esteem
· Be consistent, firm and fair when taking disciplinary action
· Avoid shaming public comment about poor performances
· Teach children to be pleased about the good fortune of others
· Keep your promises made to the children
· Teach children to set realistic goals.

A positive self-image is very important to your child. As parents and teachers, let us continue to do our part in making sure that our children are equipped to handle life successfully.