Family Service of Central Indiana, Inc

Empower your Child with Self-Esteem

Children with high self-esteem are more likely to become confident and responsible adults. The following parenting tips can help you instill a positive self-image in your child.
 
Instill an "I can" attitude.

• Acknowledge and praise your child's unique strengths and abilities.
• Don't compare your child to other children.
• Provide your child with opportunities to experience success by giving age-appropriate responsibilities.
• Have realistic expectations.  If your child falls short, let him/her know that your love has not changed.
• Don't try to solve your child's problems.  Him him/her solve them on their own by listening and discussing possible solutions.
  

Everyone needs a good ear to bend.   

• Listen actively, not passively.  Seek your child's opinion.  Encourage children to express their own thoughts and feelings.
•  Avoid lecturing or always trying to interpret what your child is "really" thinking or feeling.  In most cases, simply being there and showing that you care are enough.
• Set aside special time to be with your child and give him/her your full attention.
  

Clear-cut rules can prevent troublesome behaviors.   

• Set clear rules.  Make sure your child understands them as well as the consequences for breaking them.
• Though rules should be consistent, they should also be flexible enough to allow for special situations or circumstances.
• When rules are broken, remain calm.  Address the problem, present the consequences and follow through with discipline and discussion.
• Criticize the behavior, not the person.
• Avoid physical discipline such as spanking.  Most experts agree with such disciplinary measures are not effective.
  

You're on stage.   

• Model self-esteem by being confident in the decisions you make.
• Acknowledge your mistakes and take appropriate steps to correct them.
• Show your child that you can accept your imperfections and still like yourself.