Chaplain's Chat

Hi everyone! 

A positive sense of self is one of the best things you can provide for your child. Studies have shown that children with high self-esteem have a greater chance at success later in life. People with high self-esteem tend to have increased happiness, productivity and a sense of connection with others. 

Building self-esteem is vital for children, but it can also be a struggle to help your child adjust negative thoughts about themselves and turn them into positive ones. Things like good diet, exercise and mindfulness can be a good first stepping stone towards emotional confidence. Self-esteem can also help kids with resilience and coping with mistakes, it can help kids try again even if they fail at first. 

Ways to build self-esteem include: 

• Give your child choices: This makes them feel empowered and prepare your child for more difficult choices later on in life
   
• Help your child learn to do things themselves: The more challenges they meet the more competent and confident they will feel
   
• Teach your child about fair play, and learn to be ok with winning or losing
   
• When teaching kids how to do things, show and help them at first. If they make mistakes, encourage them to try again. 
   
• Praise effort instead of results: Don’t give insincere praise or compliments, praise the amount of effort and the creativity they put into their work instead
   
• Be a good role model: When you put effort into everyday tasks, you are setting a good example

Remember: Self-esteem is often tied to how capable a child feels about themselves so the best way a parent can build self-esteem is by praising their efforts and helping them recognize and use their strengths.