Does Your Child suffer from low Self-Esteem?

Children often suffer from yo-yo self-esteem. What this means is that sometimes kids seem to feel good about themselves and sometimes they don’t.

Kids with high self-esteem have a higher value of themselves and their capabilities than those with lower self-esteem. They naturally have higher self-confidence in their abilities to do things and are more prone to try new things and take risks. They feel worthy, loved, confident, accepted and heard. Even when they make mistakes or face failures they will know how to cope with them and move on.

Good news is self-esteem is a skill that can be taught. So if you child is suffering from yo-yo self-esteem, below are some tips to build them build powerful positive self-esteem and confidence.

Talk to them about the dangers of comparison

When kids continually assess whether they are “better than” or “less than” others, it creates either low self-esteem if they see themselves as “less than” or can create arrogance and entitlement when they see themselves as “better than”. Parents and educators can discuss why differences are good and we need all different types of people with different gifts to thrive. Particularly when self-esteem is low, we can help them identify their special gifts and honor their uniqueness.

Teach them to embrace their uniqueness

Teach them to embrace, honor and accept themselves as they are instead of comparing with others. Everyone is unique and are meant to contribute in this world, in their own way. Have them make an “I love me” poster that illustrates what they love about themselves.

Teach them to believe in their capability

Teach them to not allow events to define who they are. For example: if they fail a test that does not mean they are not smart. It simply means that they did not learn the material well and that’s it. It opens the door to brainstorm a plan that will support them to learn the material better. On the other hand, if they do get a good grade, appreciate their efforts instead of defining them by saying something like “You are smart.”

Positive Self-talk

Teach your child to say positive things to themselves as what they say to themselves is more important that what anyone else says to them. When kids learn to talk to themselves is a positive, loving manner, they will develop powerful self-esteem.

Create a consistent routine

Create a routine to practice the above 5 things. Some of the ideas are daily journal, affirmations and family conversation at dinner table to discuss both positive and negative events.

Consider enrolling them in a class that teaches these skills. Our online classes for children teaches them these skills through stories, real life scenarios, role plays, etc. By working with our instructor/coach, kids develop an amazing problem solving attitude that they can use on their own. Our goal is to increase self-esteem and self-confidence so kids feel capable of facing life’s challenges and don’t give up.

Click here for class details and to register for the next class.