Why Self Worth is Important to Your Child

Feeling worthy and important is critical to healthy child development. If a child has a strong foundation and a healthy self esteem, they are pretty well insulated from any confrontations the world may throw at them. It's not hard to believe that a child who has a strong sense of self worth more easily handles conflicts and negativity. Generally speaking, they always seem to have a smile on their face and take pleasure in living life.

By having a strong sense of self worth, a child will likely have a positive outlook on life. They will have realistic expectations. A child with a strong sense of self worth will also generally excel in their studies, extracurricular activities, hobbies, sports, music, and pretty much anything they undertake. They will also be more likely to have stronger, healthier, relationships with other children.

On the other hand, a child who is not made to feel important and appreciated will have low self esteem. This child will not be able to handle confrontations and challenges the same way. A child who doesn't have a good sense of self worth will suffer from anxiety and frustration. They will most likely become passive, and withdrawn. There's also a good chance that depression will set in. They won't be able to cope with solving problems in a constructive manner.

When it comes to your child's self worth, the majority of the responsibility falls on you, the parent. It is essential that you ensure your child feels important, appreciated, valued, and worthy. Well deserved, consistent, praise can boost your child's feelings of self worth. Don't forget that praise shouldn't just be reserved for victories. You should give your child kudos for a hearty effort, even if the outcome wasn't to your child's satisfaction. Teach them that even if they lose, or fail at something, it doesn't mean they are a loser or a failure. It's the effort and what they learned through the loss or failure that really counts.

A child can sometimes have views of himself or herself that are distorted from the truth. Your child may have beliefs which are inaccurate and irrational about their abilities and traits. By focusing on their positive attributes and letting them know you care, you will help to alleviate these feelings. Help your child to plan and set realistic expectations and standards for themselves.

Take some time and talk with your child about their strengths and what they feel they could improve upon. Again, be sure your child is realistic about his or her expectations. The best way you can help them build their self awareness and confidence is helping them work toward accomplishing their goals.

Your child may also benefit from activities which encourage and foster cooperation, teamwork, and accomplishment. By relying on others and having others rely on them, and seeing they are part of something bigger, it will help to boost their feelings of self worth. Through these and other positive, affirming activities, your child is sure to develop a strong sense of self importance, value and worth which will carry into their adult years.