A child is a very fragile object that needs a lot of love, encouragement, and support. Without these things a child can obtain a low self confidence, or low self esteem. In the world that our children are growing up in, the standards are being set higher every day. Our children are feeling the need to be the smartest, prettiest, skinniest and best at everything that they do. If they do not succeed, their self confidence drops significantly.
If you feel that your child has a low self esteem, there are many different ways to go about helping him with his problem. First off, ask yourself, “Why do I think my child has low self esteem?” Is it because he feels left out? Maybe there is a weight or cosmetic issue? Next, you need to address the issue with your child, and ask him what he thinks will make him feel better about himself, or heighten his self esteem. If your child feels left out because of a new baby or new step parent in the home, you can start by setting up a time for you and your child to be alone. This should be a period of time that only you and your child spend together. Let him pick a quiet activity that he enjoys, so you are having fun and being able to talk at the same time. A walk in the park, or a trip to the zoo are some good examples. Asking about his day and his interests will make him feel more valued.
If you think your child has a problem relating to a cosmetic or weight issue, you again need to address the issue with your child, and talk about different solutions to his problems. Some cosmetic issues have easy fixes, such as a healthy diet, a new haircut, or maybe contacts instead of glasses. Or maybe it is a bigger issue, such as surgery, or dental work. If this is the case, you should consult with your family and doctor. Along the way, make sure you let your child know that you love him the way he is, and you are helping him so he feels better about himself, not so you will like him more. A great personality is better than great teeth!
Another big cause of low self confidence in children is being bullied. Talk to your child about bullies in his school or in his after school activities. Let your child know that bullies pick on people because they don’t feel good about themselves, or because they may not have a good home life with parents that teach him good values. If your child is being bullied, it may be best to talk to your child’s teacher or guidance counselor, so the school can stop other children from being abused also.
A good way to teach your child high self esteem is to love them unconditionally from the day they are born. Let your child know that you think he is the greatest kid on earth and would never change a thing about him. Never be afraid to praise your child, or let him know that you are proud of him for the way he acts or the things he does. Let your child be involved in activities he enjoys, even if you do not understand them. This will teach your child understanding, and it will teach him to be a better parent to his children. Your grandchildren will surely thank you!
