“A child’s self esteem begins to be formed very early, and continues being created day by day. Self esteem comes from learning to accept who we are by seeing the insufficiencies and still choosing to like ourselves. Every child’s self esteem grows with each experience of successful interaction, a job well done, a goal met, as well as through the positive words of the ones we love. Self esteem doesn’t depend on huge accomplishments, it depends on the small daily tasks that build a child’s belief that they can handle their life and handle it well.” These insightful words summarizing the development of a child’s self esteem were written by Mary McCarthy in “We are the Hero of Our Story.”
As parents and caretakers, we have the profound honor and responsibility our shaping the lives of our children, the future citizens and leaders of the world.
Everything we believe, think, say or do have an effect on how our children develop. Children learn what they live daily, and are seldom able to surpass the example they are nurtured with in their home environment. This is clearly captured in the following poem:
Children Learn What They Live
By Dorothy Law Nolte, Ph.D.
If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.
No matter how hard we try, we will never have all the know-how or always be able to do everything the right way when it comes to building self esteem in children. Most important to children is that we spend quality time with them and do the best we can with what we have.
As building self esteem in children from as early as possible is extremely important, I believe that knowing how to improve self esteem in children is knowledge that parents, teachers and any other individuals coming in contact with children today should have.
Look out for future posts where I will share simple, everyday ways adults can share their core beliefs and values while building self esteem in children.
Children grow up so quickly; don’t miss out on any opportunity to have fun, create a lasting memory and teach your child lessons that will build character and self esteem, essential to there future success in life.
