Ways to Boost a Child's Self Esteem

Many factors can contribute to a child's low self esteem. Being picked on or put down by other children, struggling with learning new things, a lack of quality time with parents and family, and many other things.

Young children are very impressionable and take in a lot more than we might think. It's important to know when a child is struggling with low self esteem because there are ways to boost a child's self esteem. If the situation is ignored it can only get worse and may lead to depression.

If you know of a child who struggles with low self esteem or are looking for ways to help prevent low self esteem, below are five suggestions.

Ways to boost a child's self esteem

1. Many children deal with insults, criticism, teasing, bullying, and rejection from other children. The most important thing to do in such a case, if it occurs at school, is to speak with the teacher and principle to come up with a plan to keep this sort of thing from continuing. Granted you can't prevent this situation from occurring 100%, but you can do your best.

It's also important that children are given plenty of praise. They need it to develop a healthy sense of self worth. When children are praised they feel valuable, capable, and appreciated. We all need this reassurance, especially young children that are developing a sense of self. Praise is one of the best ways to boost a child's self esteem.

2. We're often so busy and tired that the last thing we want to do is interact with and communicate with the kids. It's so easy to send them outside or off to their rooms to play and leave us alone. But children need to know that you're interested in them, what they're doing, and what they have to say. This is even more important if the child is dealing with low self esteem.

Take some time to let them tell you about their day or an idea they had. Ask them about these things, and then really listen. Look them in the eyes and respond to what they're telling you. When people listen to us we feel important and valued. Taking the time to communicate with and listen to a child is a necessary way to boost a child's self esteem whether you're a parent, someone who works with children, or a family member.

3. Another way to boost a child's self esteem is to get them involved and let them help you. When children are allowed to help out by doing things such as taking the trash out, folding the laundry, sweeping, or assisting in preparing a meal they develop a good sense of ability. They feel more like they are capable of doing things. It also shows that you believe in them and their ability. This is a good way to boost a child's self esteem.

4. Take note of their accomplishments. Whether they've learned how to spell their own name, completed their first book, or done all their chores for a week, notice it and make a big deal out of it. Put brightly colored stickers next to a completed task, make them a special certificate with their name on it, or celebrate. Just let them know that it matters. Doing so gives children a sense of pride, and instilling pride is a fantastic way to boost a child's self esteem.

5. One more way to boost a child's self esteem is to treat yourself well. If a child hears you criticizing yourself, complaining about the way you look, or not taking care of yourself, they will get the message. Children learn by example whether we like it or not. It's almost impossible to boost a child's self esteem if we ourselves have low self esteem.

If you struggle with low self esteem, begin now to treat yourself better and build your own self esteem. An adult who's a walking example of healthy self worth is one of the best ways to boost a child's self esteem.