Children with high self esteem are more likely to believe in themselves and have a sense of importance and self respect. Self esteem affects how your children will approach new tasks or challenges and how they interact with others. Children with low self esteem may avoid challenging activities or may give up quickly, quit, or cheat when things aren't going their way. A child with low self esteem may also be a bully, bossy, controlling, have a low level of self control, and have difficulty making friends.
Children with high self esteem feel a sense of trust, security and feel accepted by others. They understand their own self-worth, have self control and are willing to take on challenging or difficult tasks.
To help with building self esteem you can spend lots of time with your children, especially in activities that they enjoy and are good at, and allow them to make some of their own decisions, so they can learn responsibility and can feel that you trust them. Learn to praise your children during adolescence and to pay positive attention to them and teach them how to accept praise for their accomplishments. Avoid criticizing your children too much. Also, do not always rush to rescue your children from frustrating experiences. Instead, try and help them solve the problem themselves.
It can help boost your children's self esteem if they feel like they are making a positive contribution to the family. Give them age appropriate chores to do (such as setting the table, taking out the garbage, putting her clothes away, etc), and allow them to do them on their own. Even if they aren't doing the chores perfectly, don't be quick to jump in and help or correct them.
Keep in mind that many children's self esteem will drop as they begin adolescence. You can help at this time by making sure that they understand and are prepared for all of the changes their body and mind are going through. Be available for communication and reassure them as much as possible.
