Self-esteem helps determine how good we feel about our performance and accomplishments, our trials and errors, our values and goals, and how we think others feel about us.
Self-esteem is difficult to define, but everyone agrees that it is important and worth cultivating in young people.
Because children develop physically and mentally in spurts, their self-esteem can be very fragile as they grapple with growing up.
They may doubt themselves when other children or adults tease them or hurt their feelings.
Self-esteem is related to academic success, but in complicated ways.
Even excellent students may lack self-esteem if they are not popular with other children. And a student with low self-esteem may strive for academic excellence as compensation.
Parents can help children develop into happy, independent, and competent adults by trying at all times to praise what is good. Here are some tips:
- Give plenty of love and hugs. Children thrive on it.
- If both parents work, arrange the best child care possible. Work toward a consistent, comfortable routine.
- Be a confident role model. Children need parents to set the pace. Shore up your own self esteem — but avoid making your children feel that they could never rise to your lofty level.
