Fostering Self Esteem In Our Children
Good self esteem helps children try new things, take healthy risks and solve problems. It gives them a solid foundation for their learning and development.
Warm and loving relationships underpin a child's self esteem because they make children feel valued and worthwhile.
To foster this we can;
-Help our child do something new.
- Praise the effort they put into activities.
- Allow our children to take healthy risks.
- Allow our children to make their own choices.
- Let them help around the house.
- Encourage our children to face challenges rather than avoid them.
- Encourage them to try things again if it didn't work out the first time.
We can also foster self-esteem by helping our child find their happiness ‘glimmers’.
If a trigger brings us into an anxious state, glimmers are what bring us back to an anchored state. Knowing our happiness 'glimmers' can be just as important as knowing our anger triggers.
Talk to your child about what makes them feel good, so they come to understand what their body needs.
It could be a favourite meal, listening to favourite music, being hugged, moving their body, having time outside in the fresh air, a warm cup of hot chocolate. These are small things that can be included into your child's day, which they will gradually recognise they can do in order to help them feel grounded.
