IT ALL COMES DOWN TO LOVE!

Self-esteem is the value we place on ourselves. It is the feeling we have about all the things we see ourselves to be. It is the knowledge that we are lovable, we are capable, and we are unique. Both adults and children benefit from good relationships, experiences and positive thinking. Many of the steps necessary for building a child's self-esteem can also help us in developing and maintaining our own self-esteem.

It is never too early to consider children’s mental health. Parents play a crucial role in guiding the development of a child’s self-confidence and emotional strength and balance. But it is not an easy task. Children don’t come with a book called ‘Parents for Dummies’. Parents can’t always recall how they felt and thought when they were children. Some parents are cursed with the memory of an unhappy or even ‘tortured’ childhood.

Every child starts out WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF SELF-ESTEEM. Children believe they can become anything they want and achieve anything to which they aspire.

Self-esteem is not inherited or developed by receiving undeserved praise or handouts.  It is the result of real achievement and the knowledge that you did it on your own. Our school systems don’t seem to understand this concept when they institute a ‘Don’t fail a child or give him a zero for failure to hand in assignments’ policy.  I believe this is a short-sighted policy.

It is OK to help students with a ‘Science Fair’ project; just don’t do most of the work for them. No parents want to see their child fail or be cut from a team; however, some of the best lessons in life come from a real understanding on the child’s part, that ‘I just didn’t do my best; I will try harder and prepare more next time.

Trial and Error Learning is valuable. Self-esteem develops from the knowledge that failures along the way have consequences but this does not mean that love is withheld. A child needs to learn how to handle successes and failure equally well. Humility and Self-esteem go hand in hand.