Build your child’s self esteem (1049)

How do you want your child to feel about himself? Do you want her to grow up thinking she is a good person, able to handle things in life? Do you want him to get along with others and to share his feelings? The way a person feels about herself is called "self-esteem."  High self-esteem means feeling good about yourself.

Children with high self-esteem do better in school and in life.

Self-esteem begins at home. If you want your child to develop high self-esteem, you have to feel good about your child and let him know. How can you do this? Tell your child you think she is a great child. Tell him that he is important to you. Share lots of hugs, kisses, and smiles. Give her some of your undivided attention each day-really listen to your child.
When your child does something you don’t like, you can choose to correct him in a way that won’t hurt his self esteem. Don’t yell at your child or tell her she is a rotten child. Instead, say "I get mad when you. . ."   Children will learn without feeling like a failure. Be fair and consistent; teach your child to make good choices.

Try to point out at least five things your child does right each day. You can say, "I like the nice way you are petting the kitty," or, "Look at how well you’ve stacked those blocks!" or "You are playing with your sister very nicely."

Say "please" and "thank you" to your children. Children are people too. When you say please and thank you, they learn to respect themselves and others.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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