8 keys to improve the self-esteem of your children
Photo: ISTOCK Enlarge photoStrengthening the self-esteem of children is one of the responsibilities that every parent must have, since it plays a crucial role in the development of children for the configuration of their personality. Children who grow up in an optimistic and cheerful environment are more likely to succeed in different environments both during their childhood and adolescence, and when they reach adulthood. Because of that, we offer you 8 keys to improve the self-esteem of your children.
The parents have to be the ones in charge of banishing from the head of the smallest thoughts of the type "I have suspended an exam, I am not good for anything", "my friend has been angry with me, I will be alone forever" or the typical "nobody loves me". Psychopedagogist and school counselor Julio Gallego Codes in his book In Search of Excellence, recently published, points out that just as negative thoughts create problems, positive thoughts generate joy, excitement and enthusiasm. Hence the importance of parents being responsible for giving that boost of enthusiasm and optimism to their children, starting with their own example.
"It should not be forgotten that optimists are creative, overcome difficulties at work and obtain good results in their studies." The person with enthusiasm and enthusiasm, usually, often achieves achievements in what he does, be it work, coexistence, sport or study ", explains Gallego Codes.
The family therapist, Jane Nelsen, is aware of the importance of educating children in self-esteem and that it "comes from feeling that you are accepted, that you are capable, and that you know that our contributions are valuable and worthwhile" . To feel recognized and accepted by the people around us is fundamental and more, during the first stages of life.
8 tricks to promote self-esteem
1. Congratulate them for the positive and tell them about their virtues
Try telling her every day the things she has done well. For example, at dinner time you can tell your father how well you have done your homework that day. Praise is a stimulus to improve the self-esteem of the little ones. In addition, it is convenient to specify what is being praised.
2. Give them unconditional love
The self-esteem of children develops much more if they notice that they are loved as they are, regardless of their character, their skills, strengths or weaknesses. Show him your love with kisses, hugs and saying how much you love him and when you have to scold him let him know that it is his behavior that is unacceptable and not him.
3. Do not compare him with others
Addressing your children with questions like why are you not like your sister? Have you seen how well your cousin behaves? they will only achieve that the child is fixed in his defects and that he feels envy and pressure to compete. But, even positive comparisons of the type "You are the best student" can be harmful, because the child will be difficult to achieve the level of demand that is asked. It is important that your child feels that you appreciate them as they are.
4. Loans attention and listen to them
Spend time of your day being with your child. That will help you feel that you have time for him and will make him feel valuable and important. Listen to him and offer him confidence to tell you to let them open their hearts, to feel that their feelings and opinions matter.
5. Propose new healthy adventures
Encourage your child to make a new friend, to try a different meal or to practice a different sport. There is the possibility of failing, but it is an opportunity for the child to develop and experience new things. As a father, he tries not to intervene in his tasks and lets him do it, otherwise, dependency on children can be encouraged.
6. Offer encouragement
It is important for the child to feel supported by those around him. But it is not only about recognizing his triumphs, but about congratulating him on the progress achieved. That is to say, the child has to feel that, first of all, what is valued is the effort and commitment that he has made in carrying out a task.
7. Show empathy with them
Sometimes, your child can compare unfavorably with his siblings: "Maria plays ball very well". In situations like this, show empathy and understanding, but emphasize their strengths and virtues: "Yes, you're right, Maria plays ball well, but you draw very well."
8. Let your children make mistakes
Often when children face new experiences they make mistakes easily. If this happens, do not dismiss it. The child learns from the situations that are presented to him in his day to day, but also from his mistakes. Therefore, do not get angry with him and criticize him when he falls into an error. Show him the mistake made with tact and delicacy so that he learns.
María Redondo
It may interest you:
- How to boost children's self-esteem
- Children's self-esteem, techniques to enhance it
- 10 simple ways to improve the self-esteem of our children
- Frustration, how to face it
