Self-esteem is a critical psychological construct for children’s growth and sense of value. Sutton (2020) claims that it is essential to children’s academic progress, participation, activity engagement, social interactions, and, consequently, their sense of well-being. Children with low esteem are quiet and introverted, with self-imposed restrictions and a fixed attitude (Sutton, 2020). In adolescence, self-esteem also determines health and well-being (Sutton, 2020). Moreover, low self-esteem is linked to antisocial conduct, drug misuse, and, tragically, suicide. Thus, it is vital to investigate strategies that can raise self-esteem.
The List of Strategies
Contingent praise and growth mindset
It is essential to praise youngsters for their efforts rather than accomplishments. Instead of emphasizing the result, parents need to communicate that talents are developed through effort and hard work (Sutton, 2020; Shrikant, 2022; Morin, 2021). Noncontingent praise, for example, ‘You are extremely brilliant,’ and exaggerated praise, such as ‘You created an amazingly beautiful painting,’ on the other hand, can be dysfunctional and may even lower self-esteem (Krauss et al., 2020).
Sense of belonging
Parents should encourage children and teenagers to keep a small group of friends who appreciate them for who they are to foster a feeling of belonging (Sutton, 2020).
Strengths acknowledgment
Help youngsters recognize and apply their strengths to have a substantial, positive impact on themselves and the people around them (Sutton, 2020).
Warm parenting environment and monitoring
According to Krauss et al. (2020), parental warmth and monitoring are critical for self-esteem development. For instance, warmth may be expressed by compassion and care, accepting the infant, assisting, and encouraging. Being aware of the youngster’s activities without being invasive is part of good monitoring (Krauss et al., 2020; Morin, 2021). It is critical to establish the correct balance between freedom and guidance.
Model confidence and body acceptance
Children who appeared confident throughout childhood may have difficulty maintaining their confidence during adolescence. Morin (2021) suggests that, for many, adolescence is a time of self-doubt and uncertainty. Parents may demonstrate to their children how to confront new situations with courage and confidence, as well as the significance of loving themselves (Morin, 2021). Parents or caregivers must talk to their adolescents about moments when they are courageous in order to boost their confidence. Additionally, mothers have a significant influence on their daughters’ body image (Garey, 2021). Hence, they should refrain from asking their child, “Do these clothes make me appear fat?”, criticizing their appearance, or stressing about food. In the case of boys, discussing alternatives to sports culture with male role models such as artists, professors, chefs, and musicians help children understand that there are other, legitimate ways they may pursue their abilities while still being valued (Arky, 2021).
Promote assertiveness skills
Parents might start by discussing the distinction between assertiveness and aggression. They could explain to youngsters that being assertive implies confidently expressing oneself without disrespect or yelling at others (Morin, 2021).
Positive self-talk
It is critical to teach children and teenagers how to employ positive self-talk and reframe irrational thinking (Morin, 2021; Smith, 2022).
Responsibilities and chores
Having the youngster accountable for age-appropriate duties gives them a feeling of purpose and success (Lee, 2021).
Refrain from insulting
When a youngster misbehaves or does anything that irritates parents, they must ensure that the conduct is not associated with their child. It is critical to speak respectfully and in a friendly tone to youngsters (Lee, 2021).
Address feelings
When discussing the past with a youngster, it is critical to discuss the incident and the feelings involved with that event (Phillips, 2021). Increasing children’s emotional awareness leads to improved self-esteem.
References
Arky, B. (2021). How to build boys’ self-confidence. Child Mind Institute. Web.
Garey, J. (2021). 13 ways to boost your daughter’s self-esteem. Child Mind Institute. Web.
Krauss, S., Orth, U., & Robins, R. W. (2020). Family environment and self-esteem development: A longitudinal study from age 10 to 16. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 119(2), 457–478. Web.
Lee, K. (2021). 9 ways to build more self-esteem in your child. VeryWellFamily. Web.
Morin, A. (2021). 8 essential strategies for raising a confident teen. VeryWellFamily. Web.
Phillips, M. (2021). 10 ways to enhance your child’s self-esteem. UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School. Web.
Shrikant, A. (2022). How to raise kids with healthy self-esteem, according to a child psychologist. CNBC Make It. Web.
Smith, H. V. (2022). Getting help for teenage self-esteem. TATF. Web.
Sutton, J. (2020). Self-esteem for kids: 30+ counseling tools & activities. Positive Psychology. Web.