This article was written by Guest Blogger Aurelia Williams from Real Life Guidance.
It’s not easy being a kid these days. Everyday they face challenges by their peers and their self-esteem
might suffer. The pressures of wearing certain clothes, fitting in with cliques, and saying the right thing are overwhelming.
Parents need to be involved in their child’s life in order to see signs of low self-esteem. Taking immediate action can mean the difference between your child heading into depression or rising above the pressures. Here are some ways to help raise the self-esteem of your child:
Be proud of them and don’t be afraid to show it.
No matter what your child’s accomplishment, let your child know that you are proud of them. Whether their achievement is academic or social, tell them how impressed you are and brag about their accomplishments to family and friends, preferably when they can hear.
Praise them often with positive reinforcement.
It’s easy to point out failures or mistakes. Take special care to focus on your child’s successes, no matter how big or how small. Showing your approval when they do something good will build their self-esteem more so than pointing out their faults and disappointments.
Focus on their strengths.
You know your child better than anyone else and if you feel disconnected, sit down and talk with your child. Discover what your child enjoys and what they think they’re good at; center your conversation with them around all the things they’re doing well. Make a point to clearly notice their strong points.
Show them special attention.
As important as family time is, children love having “dates” with only one parent at a time. They enjoy being the center of attention, without the younger siblings interrupting and without the older siblings hogging the conversation. Give them your total attention and let them know how special they are to you, not only as your child, but as a person.
Respect their opinions.
You’ll never agree with everything your kids say or do, but allowing your children to voice their opinions and listen to these opinions will encourage them to be more vocal and will validate their need to be heard. Every person on earth has an opinion and not everyone agrees. This is an important life lesson that should be learned early on so your child can have healthy debates when he reaches adulthood.
Helping your child through the trials of childhood can sometimes be tough with the pressures that face children today. But staying connected with your child and understanding what they face everyday can help boost their self-esteem and make them more prepared to deal with peer pressure.
About the Author: Are you a mom looking or a little support? Aurelia Williams is a certified life coach and owner of Real Life Guidance. Visit today and get the support and guidance that you need.
