As parents we know that building our child's sense of self
esteem is important. Child development specialists tell us so.
However knowing it is important is not the same as knowing how
to give your child a strong sense of self worth. There is no
simple strategy but there are several effective techniques
parents can use to help boost self esteem in their child.

Let Them Know Their Value

The most important strategy is to show and tell your child how
much you value him and appreciate him. Spend time with him,
talk to him and really listen to what he has to say, and
appreciate the things that interest him.

Empower Them To Make Decisions

You should also teach your child about decision-making and
recognizing when she has made a good decision. Children make
decisions all the time but often are not aware that they are
doing so. There are a number of ways parents can help children
improve their ability to consciously make wise decisions. Start
first by giving children the ability to make decisions, for
example about what to wear for the day, and then letting them
live with the consequences, such as being too hot in a long
sleeve shirt on the beach. Then gradually expand the scope of
their decisions and discuss the problems and solutions involved
to help the child evaluate the decisions they make.

Make Them Responsible For Their Emotions

Let children know they create and are responsible for any
feeling they experience. Likewise, they are not responsible for
others' feelings. Avoid blaming children for how you feel. Model
appropriate ways to respond to their emotions.

Help Them Find Their Niche

Encourage your child to develop hobbies and interests which
give him pleasure and which he can pursue independently. These
can help him develop various skills which may help build
confidence as well as provide comfort and distraction during
difficult times. Also, these may well provide common ground to
further social interaction with others.

Let Them Work It Out With Peers

Children must learn to work out disputes with siblings,
friends, and classmates without adult intervention. As they
grow older they won't always be under direct adult supervision,
but also learning to work through social challenges can help
build confidence and self esteem. Another important social tool
is the ability to cope with teasing. Help your child develop
"tease tolerance" by pointing out that some teasing can't hurt
and exploring the reasons why some kids tease.

Show Them Their Strengths

When your child succeeds at something, reinforce that success
by pointing out how far he has come by not giving up. When your
child fails, point out the other successes he has enjoyed,
especially those that were accomplished after a failure.

Teach Them To Laugh

Laugh with your children and encourage them to laugh at
themselves. People who take themselves very seriously are
undoubtedly decreasing their enjoyment in life. A good sense of
humor and the ability to make light of life are important
ingredients for increasing one's overall enjoyment. Laughter is
a great stress reliever and a good way to make friends. Laughing
at your mistakes and at life's challenges help teach children to
put trouble in perspective and cope with challenges.

Using these seven strategies can help build your child's self
esteem and help them lead a happier and more successful life.

About The Author: Deanna Mascle shares more parenting tips with
her blog at http://OfficialFamily.info

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