Children's Self Esteem

One indication of a child's level of self-esteem is the number of positive or negative statements they tend to make about themselves or about others. Other indicators include verbal or physical bullying, withdrawal, reluctance to try new things, drawing attention to themselves (ie. bragging), significant defensiveness. Poor self esteem has been related to depression, suicide, drug and alcohol use, poor peer relations, and poor school performance.

Children with high self esteem is related to good social skills, greater independence, peer acceptance, less deviant behavior, and better academic achievement. Parents are instrumental in the development of our children's self esteem. Parents can teach their children to love and accept themselves by placing more emphasis on desirable behavior rather than undesirable behavior; defining rules and limits clearly and consistently; respecting their ideas and feelings; and having reasonable and developmentally appropriate to their developmental level.

In 101 Ways to Boost Your Child's Self-esteem, Price (1982) provides practical ideas as to how parents can help improve their child's self esteem. Although this book was written in the 80's, it is still relevant today. Among the suggestions include simplifying the environment; providing children with multitude of successes each day; helping them to accept their bodies; being empathetic; allowing them to develop problem-solving skills; and teaching children honesty. There are many ways to foster a good self esteem in children and these are just a few. Parents model self esteem for children and when they accept and love themselves they will teach their children how to accept and love themselves.