How to Develop Self-Esteem in Early Childhood?

Answer 1

Many people would argue that childhood is perhaps the best part of a person’s life; but should one ask the children, they may disagree. Growing up can be difficult, and crucial development, such as self-esteem, hangs in the balance. If a parent wants to assure that their child’s self-esteem develops properly, there are steps that can be taken.

1. The parents should never push unrealistic expectations and pressures on their children. For instance, asking that they get nothing but excellent grades in school can backfire; the child will end up feeling bad or worse about themselves if they come up short on that goal. The child should be accepted for who they are and what they can do; never what they have been unable to do or should be able to do. All that may be asked of them is that they do their best and try as hard as they can. They will succeed in their own special ways.

2. It also helps to introduce young people to rewarding, enriching activities. Volunteering for something is one way to show them how good it feels to help and change the lives of others. They could be taken along with an adult as they visit a hospital. They could donate their old clothes and toys to a drive. There are countless things that can be done. The child will end up feeling that they have accomplished something, and want to do more of it; their self-esteem will thus receive a boost. Other options include signing them up for the girl scouts or boy scouts program.

3. Lastly, it is important that parents show affection to their offspring. This can come in the form of frequently telling them that they are loved, leaving special notes in their lunch bags, playing games with them, and so on. A child, just like any other human, needs to know that somebody cares about them. To believe otherwise would be a great blow to their sense of self worth. However, one should never overdo it with the praise; otherwise, the child may suspect that the one who praises is not being honest; that they are simply saying and doing those things out of some kind of obligation. This should be kept in mind.