But how do you nurture high self esteem in your children? It is really easier than you think, you just have to work at it and implement changes in your everyday life.
- Show and tell your children you love and care for them. Tell your child they are important to you, that they are great, and snuggle them with lots of hugs, kisses, and smiles daily.
- Give your child your undivided attention everyday. This means turn off the TV and don't answer your cell phone while you are spending one-on-one time with each of your children. If the day is too hectic to make this effective, use bedtime as your time alone with your children. Reading books and discussing the day are great ways to open the lines of communication with each of your children.
- Be fair and consistent, teach your child to follow the rules. This can only happen though if you set clear guidelines and expectations ahead of time. Do not yell at your child when they make a mistake this will only foster a feeling of failure. Instead explain to them that you do not like when they do "x", instead you would rather them do "y".
- Try and point out 5 good things your child does each day. If you can't catch these behaviors at the moment they happen, consider praising them during your one-on-one time. Just make sure they know you noticed and you care enough to say something positive about the action or choice.
- Most importantly, children learn the most from the adults around them. Be sure and set a good example each and everyday. This means use your manners, watch what you say in haste, and be conscious of your decisions before you make them, little eyes are always watching. If you model respect, children will learn to respect themselves as well as others.
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