When I Look in the Mirror, I See. . .
Our self-image begins to form at a young age. If we are praised and encouraged, we begin to be more adventuresome and risk takers feeling confident about our abilities. We smile, hold our heads high and try new things. We all want our children to be successful, reach their milestones and achieve their goals. From the beginning we shout from the rooftops when they roll over, sit up, babble their first sounds and walk. We call everyone we know and write the “event” in their baby book, on a calendar or somewhere we are recording their life history.
Helping children to like themselves and to have a positive self-image is one of the greatest gifts any parent can give to their child. Positive self-esteem is a key to successful living and we can encourage them from the first moment we see their little face and say hello. Parents can help their child accept and respect themselves, simply through our positive interactions.
As the most significant influence in the lives of children, it is our job to help them experience success, make mistakes without shame, and grow up proud of who they are,” Robert Ramsey, Ed.D., 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem.
Why not start today with these simple ways to build self-esteem?
Hug your child everyday and never be embarrassed to say “I love you”
Allow your child to choose the book to read, or game to play and then follow their lead and show them how much fun you are having
Post your child’s artwork in prominent places, the refrigerator and your office are perfect
Mail your child’s artwork to relatives, this shows you see the value and want to share it, then make sure the recipient acknowledges the “gift” to your child
Always have a surprise on hand for those times when something good happens unexpectedly or visit the store and allow your child to choose a surprise.
Look the other way sometimes. Even we are not perfect. Let your child learn lesson on his own.
Some suggestions adapted from Ramsey, Robert D. (2003). 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s Self-Esteem. New York:McGraw-Hill.