The importance of self-esteem is something to always keep in mind. It has several points of view when defining it. On the one hand we can say that it is a series of beliefs or feelings towards oneself, that is, the way we define ourselves and that influences motivations. As well as in behaviors that we have and emotional responses to different stimuli.
On the other hand, From a psychological perspective, it is defined as the capacity that we develop from birth. That is, to experience our own existence and be aware of the potential and needs we have. For children it is vital that we stimulate this ability from an early age. Since it will be of great importance throughout your personal, social and professional life.
What does self esteem mean for children
Both for children and for those who are not so much, self-esteem is a way of feeling good about ourselves. We have already defined it before and we can still add a little more. It is important that from an early age we give children a positive sense of themselves. Since without it, they will grow up with a negative mood, reserved, inferior and with a greater probability of entering the world of drugs or any other problem influenced by the environment along with low self-esteem.
So if we promote good self-esteem, it makes children feel good about themselves. So that they can make friends more easily, treat others with greater sensitivity and accept diversity or future changes with greater optimism. So, for all this and more, we know that we all need to cultivate self-esteem and always give it the prominence it deserves.
How children's self-esteem is strengthened
It is true that each child can have their own process and adapt to a greater or lesser extent. But without a doubt, strengthening self-esteem in children is absolutely necessary, as we have already mentioned. But what are the steps I can follow?
Teach him new skills
Just by spending time with them we will be working in the right way. But if we also take the opportunity to invest it in teaching them new things, concepts or games, then much better. Every step they take will become one more step towards that good self-esteem that we are promoting.. Of course, so that they have a good taste in their mouths, remember that you should always help them at first until they can do what you have previously taught them on their own.
Importance of self-esteem: Praise your child
As long as you take a correct step in the learning, then it's time to show our pride. Since we want you to celebrate every win, we shouldn't go overboard when it comes to praise either. But make that distinction when something is well deserved. Because the little ones will also celebrate it in their own way, but with a positive result for them. Remember that sometimes, even if it does not fulfill the purposes, if there is an effort, it is already enough for said praise.
avoid criticism
Sometimes we don't realize the damage they can do. Raising your voice at them, scolding them when something doesn't go well, etc., are not the right steps to have a good self-esteem.. But sometimes it is the opposite, because we are causing them to lose motivation. At the same time, we also damage their self-esteem, even if we don't realize it. We should avoid comparisons because it is something that does not help either.
work on your strengths
Not all of us are good at the same things and that is not why we speak of failure. But in order to make an effort and achieve the objectives, there must be a motivation. Hence when they are small, The best thing is to identify what your strengths are, that is, everything that you are more than good at and that you enjoy doing.. Because if you work on that point, great and positive results will be achieved.
Let him make certain decisions
Of course, when they are small, we will start with fairly simple things that do not have too much importance for us. Although for them they will have it. Because when making decisions they will feel stronger, with more responsibility as if they were adults and that is something they love. They can decide one day what they want to eat, the clothes they are going to wear to the park, etc.
What activities could be carried out to work on the importance of self-esteem?
- An activity to improve your self-esteem is to take pictures of family and friends. We can paste it on a large cardboard. We will have the child say one by one who each person is, what activities they do with them and why they have a good time with her. When the little one feels a negative emotion, we can show him that cardboard so that he can see how many people love them as they are. It is an activity that can be very fun if done as a family, taking another piece of cardboard for the mother or father and let them see the example.
- In this case, you need a blank sheet of paper. You will tell your child to write all those words with which he defines himself. It doesn't matter if they are negative or positive, because we will let you let go of everything inside you. If they don't come out, you can ask them the questions and let them answer. Another way is that said sheet has a series of adjectives and they will have to underline the ones that define them.
- Tell him to tell you everything he has learned in recent weeks and which one has made him the most excited. Although you can also do it before bed and during the day.
- How to Live Aligned with fears are only overcome when we face them, the smallest of the house must also understand it like this. So the activity consists of saying things that they do not want to learn or that they do not want to do because they are terrified. They will surely surprise you!
Now we know that the importance of self-esteem in life is extremely vital. Because it is about having a positive image of ourselves and with it, we can deal with any obstaclebecause it gives us security. If we fail or make mistakes, our self-esteem will be what lifts us up. Well, all this is what should be worked on in childhood so that they become more firm and positive people.