Nurturing Children's Self-Esteem Introduction
Angela Oswalt Morelli , MSW, edited by Mark Dombeck, Ph.D.image by Martin Pettitt (lic)The middle childhood years (roughly ages 8-11) are very exciting, filled with many changes and some challenges as well. Children are developing their own style, their own social life, and their own schedule. They are starting to assert their own beliefs and to express their feelings. During this time parents will find many opportunities to influence children's developing character, and in so doing, lay down a strong foundation that will support children throughout the rest of their lives. Though they are growing more independent each day, children continue to rely upon their parents for sustenance, coaching and guidance, limit setting, comfort and approval. Children won't always appreciate parent's efforts, but they remain vital nevertheless.
This center describes practical ways parents can provide children with the love and nurturance their continued healthy development requires. We start with a discussion of self-esteem; what it is and why it is important. Following from the importance of healthy self-esteem, we go on to discuss specific steps parents can take to foster children's positive self-esteem and self-image.
Self-Esteem: What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is, at the root, a measure of children's judgment of their own worth. The concept of self-worth is inherently social in nature, as the worth of a person emerges in large part from a person's comparison of themselves and their abilities against the perceived abilities and value of others. Children's self-esteem is thus heavily influence by other people's opinions (spoken and unspoken) of children's relative value, which is, in turn, influenced by children's various accomplishments and failures and how these are received.
Self-esteem is primarily built through positive experience. It grows as children experience loving positive communication, and as they take on and master difficult but accomplishable developmentally-appropriate challenges. Such experiences give rise to a genuine sense of accomplishment, pride and belonging. We spend a lot of time in this document describing ways that parents can communicate with their children in loving ways that will enhance children's self-esteem. We also describe various activities parents may engage in with their children (such as community service projects), or which children may engage in by themselves or in groups (such as camp experiences) which help enhance children's sense of mastery, belonging and accomplishment.
With time and guidance, a few pushes, a little cheer-leading and much expression of loving support by parents, children will hopefully come to accurately see themselves as capable problem solvers worthy of respect from others and of self-respect. This posture of self-respect and self-esteem is an optimal foundation for emotional and occupational success in adult life.
Why Self-Esteem is Important and Its Dimensions
Resources
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Articles
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General Self-Esteem Information
- Introduction to Self-Esteem
- Self-Esteem And Depression
- Things You Can Do Right Away to Improve Self-Esteem
- Building Self-Esteem by Changing Negative Thoughts
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Nurturing Children's Self-Esteem
- Nurturing Children's Self-Esteem Introduction
- Why Self-Esteem is Important and Its Dimensions
- Benefits of Healthy High Self-Esteem
- Factors Influencing the Development of Self-esteem
- Fostering Self-Esteem with Communication
- Balancing Praise and Criticism
- Guidelines for Correcting or Disciplining Children
- Communication Strategies to Build Children's Self-Esteem
- Communication Strategies Continued
- Building Self-Esteem with Love, Affection and Attention
- Building Self-Esteem by Encouraging Children to Take On Challenges
- Building Self-Esteem by Fostering Individuality
- Allowing for Children's Privacy
- Building Self-Esteem by Encouraging Socialization (Group Involvement)
- Finding Balance
- Nurturing Children's Self-Esteem Conclusion
- Appendix A. Volunteer Service
- Appendix A. Volunteer Services Continued
- Appendix B. Camp Experiences
- Appendix B. Choosing a Camp
- Appendix B. Preparing Children for Camp
- Appendix B. Emotional Preparation (Managing Homesickness)
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General Self-Esteem Information
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Questions and Answers
- How Can I Not Lie Anymore?
- We Broke Up Because of His Mother.. I Had an Abortion. Having Suicidal Thoughts
- Always the Friend
- Teenaged girl at risk for Eating Disorders writes, "i want to be confidant with my body"
- When there is someone who is better looking than me, I feel inadequate
- Insane Jealousy
- Whats wrong with me?
- Going through his things
- Coming to Terms With My Own Pathetic Existence
- Friends With Benefits
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17 more
- Ms. Doubtful
- I Am A Loser
- On Becoming A Person
- Why Do I Provoke A Negative Attitude In Others?
- Guilty
- He Stopped Calling Me
- Language Fluency Envy
- A Lack Of Self-Love
- Why Won't They Stay With Me?
- Confidence Problem
- I'm a Loser
- Low Self-Esteem
- Unhappy and In Therapy
- Inspiring Self-Confindence
- Am I Good Enough?
- Lack of Social Skills
- Linda writes:
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Book & Media Reviews
- A Wish for Wings That Work
- Bodies out of Bounds
- Change Your Brain, Change Your Life
- Embracing Uncertainty
- Everything on a Waffle
- Handbook of Self and Identity
- Hollow Kids
- In Pursuit of Happiness
- Living Your Best Life
- More Than a Label
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9 more
- Self-Compassion
- Shame and Guilt
- Taming Your Inner Brat
- The Gift of Shyness
- The Power of Negative Thinking
- The Quest for Peace, Love, and a 24'' Waist
- Think Confident, Be Confident
- Think Naked
- Why Is It Always About You?
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Links
- [1] Articles
- [1] Associations
- [2] Information
- [7] Videos
- [1] Blogs
- [3] Apps
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Videos
- Social Interaction When You Have Low Self-Esteem
- How To Say No With Confidence And Build Self-Esteem
- The skill of self confidence
- Meet Yourself: A User's Guide to Building Self-Esteem
- The 6 Pillars of Self-Esteem
- Children Build Self-Esteem, Increase Confidence, Stop Bullies
- Self-Esteem
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