How to Build Self-Esteem in your Children by Gauri Batra

Self-esteem is, in lay terms, the feeling of self-worth stemming from an individual's positive or negative beliefs about being valuable and capable. Having a high level of self-esteem is one of the first steps to success in life. It is therefore imperative that parents help their children in building their self-esteem, so that they grow up into confident, successful individuals.

The problem of self-esteem, in most people, starts from early childhood itself. It is usually the consequence of an event or incident that leaves a child lacking in self-worth. Physical appearance, lack of parental engagement, or criticism is often considered to be the primary reason behind these things. Most parents find it difficult to address this problem; but thankfully, building self-esteem in children is a lot easier than in adults. All you need is the right guidance to help your child come out of such a phase.

First and foremost, you have to give your children autonomy - the right to make their own choices, take their own decisions. Once a child makes his own choices, he is more likely to be happy treading that path, be it his education or career decisions. Imposing your likes and dislikes on children will leave them feeling pressurized and dissatisfied. Independence and self-governance will teach them the benefits of taking the right decisions as well as the pitfalls of taking the wrong ones.

Parents should make a great deal of effort to build positive, growth-conducive social relations for their children. Kids with a strong support network (family, friends, relatives, etc.) usually grow up into confident, compassionate individuals.

You should encourage your children to act in accordance with their inherent natures and personality traits. Let them pursue activities that utilize their abilities and help them achieve their potential. Encouraging your kids to work on both their strengths and weaknesses will lead to an increase in their competence levels and also their self-esteem.

More than anything else, what can help children with a low self-esteem is their parents' attention and time. The feeling of neglect is one of the worst things that can happen to a child. Give them your attention, involve them in a variety of activities - academic or otherwise - and make them feel loved; it will do them a world of good.

Educational counselors all over the world are guiding parents on how to deal with the most common problems faced by their children. Jiva Education, a propagator of innovative and personalized learning in schools, is one of the premier organizations helping parents in building self-esteem in their children.

Gauri Batra is an educationist associated with Jiva Education, an institution that propagates innovative and constructive learning methodologies in schools. Jiva helps parents in building self-esteem in their children through counseling.