Building Healthy Self-Esteem in Elementary School Children

Building Healthy Self-Esteem in Elementary School Children

As children grow, so does their sense of self-worth and confidence. This view of themselves, known as self-esteem, plays a crucial role in their overall well-being and success. As parents, it’s essential to nurture and encourage healthy self-esteem in your children.
Here are some tips to help you promote your child’s self-esteem:
Why is Self-Esteem Important?
Children with healthy self-esteem are more likely to be happy, cooperative, successful at school, and make friends easily. They enjoy challenges, are eager to learn and cope with stress effectively. On the other hand, children with low self-esteem may feel inadequate, be reluctant to try new things and have few goals. They are also more likely to develop behavior problems and experience anxiety or depression.
How to Encourage Healthy Self-Esteem:
1. Praise Efforts and Achievements: Focus on your child’s efforts and achievements, praising them for their hard work and perseverance. Avoid criticizing their weaknesses and instead, highlight their strengths.
2. Show Your Care: Express your love and care for your child regularly. Spend quality time with them and be available when they need you. This helps them feel valued and appreciated.
3. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle: Promote good hygiene, grooming, and regular exercise, which can contribute to your child feeling good about themselves.
4. Teach Good Friend-Making Skills: Encourage your child to make friends and be a good friend in return. This helps them develop positive social skills and boosts their self-esteem.
5. Set Achievable Goals: Help your child set realistic goals and support them in achieving them. Avoid setting expectations that are too high, as this can lead to feelings of failure.
6. Encourage Independence: Allow your child to do things for themselves and take reasonable risks. This helps them develop a sense of control and confidence in their abilities.
7. Promote Positive Self-Talk: Teach your child to think positively about themselves and their abilities. Encourage them to focus on their strengths and achievements rather than their shortcomings.
8. Help Them Manage Negative Feelings: Teach your child how to cope with disappointment and setbacks. Encourage them to try again after a failure and support them in learning from their mistakes.
9. Involve Them in Problem-Solving: Include your child in family problem-solving discussions and encourage them to come up with solutions. This helps them develop critical thinking skills and boosts their confidence in their abilities.
10. Be a Positive Role Model: Show your child how to handle challenges and setbacks with grace and resilience. Your example will teach them valuable lessons about perseverance and self-confidence.

By following these tips, you can help your child develop healthy self-esteem and navigate the ups and
downs of life with confidence and resilience. Remember, building self-esteem is an ongoing process that
requires patience, understanding, and consistent support from parents and caregivers.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program
Are you interested in receiving more parenting advice? Triple P Online – Positive Parenting Program
could be for you! This online parenting program allows you to take a parenting class in the comfort of
your own home!
If you live in Lane County, you can get Triple P Online for free by filling out the form on the Triple P page.
A staff person from Activities will send you an access code within 24 hours and you’ll be able to start using the program right away! For more information about the program and to sign up visit the Triple P page.