How to Proactively Build Good Self Esteem Within Your Child

One of the biggest life defining attributes of our children is their self esteem. A child with healthy self esteem is confident, secure, happy, well adjusted and more likely to be successful at their undertakings; now, and later on, in life, as an adult. Problem solving comes relatively easy to a child with good self esteem. Their positive attributes only grow stronger under a caring, loving, parent. In order for your child to obtain good self esteem, they need some proactive tactics employed from you.

What are some good ways to proactively build self esteem in your child?

One of the best tactics we can utilize to establish healthy self esteem for our child, is just to accept them. Accept them for who they are and instill in them to do the same with others. The greatest lesson you can give your child, in relation to building self esteem, involves mistakes. It almost seems paradoxical, but it's true. You must let your child know that no one is perfect; everyone makes mistakes, including you.

The real lesson is to teach them how to learn from their mistakes. Give them examples of mistakes you've made and how you learned and grew from those mistakes. A child with high self esteem will recognize their mistakes and apply the lessons learned, as a child, later on in life. A child who suffers from low self esteem will harbor feelings of frustration. This frustration will later manifest itself into self loathing and self depreciating behaviors. They will call themselves dumb and or stupid, and believe they are dumb and or stupid. A child with low self esteem will usually give up easily on anything they try.

Another way to help build self esteem within your child is to help them discover what their special talents, abilities, knowledge, and skills are. Once you figure out together what they are, give them the appropriate outlet to build on and improve upon them. It can't be said enough, how much constant, well deserved, praise will help your child develop excellent self esteem. Don't just praise your child for improvements on their skills and abilities, but give them deserved praise for intangible traits they possess. You can say things like "You're such a generous boy." or "You're a very enthusiastic girl. " Make sure what you are praising them for is accurate and deserved.

A positive choice by your child is also integral to building good self esteem. It's important to discuss healthy behaviors and how to be a good person with your child. It's also important that you lead by example. It's been proven that a child, who develops the skill of making positive choices, while young, is more likely to be well prepared for tougher choices they must make when they grow up. Encourage your child to make positive choices.

Another overlooked contributor, of building self esteem, within your child, is spending quality time with them. In today's fast paced, always in a rush, society; this can be one of the hardest things to follow through with, as a parent. If you want your child to have all the advantages that come with good self esteem, you have to make the time, even if it's just once a week. It can be something as simple as playing catch, or going out to grab a burger, but make the time count. Turn off the cell phone. Let your child know during that time, they are the most important thing in your life.

You can even take advantage of doing simple chores together to talk. For example, you can have a good conversation while folding laundry or doing dishes with them. Remember, building positive self esteem within your child will take work. However, in the end, you will be glad you put forth the time and effort, because you will see your child blossom and develop into a great person.