Helen Law (sharing thoughts)

Studies have shown that high self-esteem is an important component of academic success. Nurturing positive self-esteem is a combined feelings of being loved,  confident, accepted, valued, important and secure.

Children of all ages require self esteem to feel good about themselves, their world, and the contributions they can make to it.  As parents, we have the greatest influence in shaping our children's sense of self-worth.

Nurturing positive self-esteem begins at an early age. Children's mind can be likened to a sponge absorbing all the values, emotions, and actions from us.  Their self-esteem is further influenced as they develop relationships with family members, teachers, friends and other adults.

When we teach our children healthy ways to express their feelings, they will learn to develop positive relationships such as respect for themselves and for others. 

It is important to give our children the support and approval. Staying positive and being generous with our praises are two of the most important steps to promote our children's self esteem.

Children who have faith and confidence in themselves and their abilities will be more likely to lead happy and productive adult lives.

In helping our children develop a love of learning, we should focus on the positives. When our children come to us with the works they have done, point out the things that are right.  

Appreciate their efforts and encourage them to keep trying to get even more ‘rights’. Choose to see the glass half full instead of half empty. Teach our children to learn from their mistakes, express faith and confidence in them and their capabilities.

Here is a true story to share with you:

Tom ( not his name) came home from school, looking very happy and excited told his mom the stars, his teacher gave him.

When his mom checked his schoolwork, she noticed that the teacher gave stars even when Tom had done his work poorly.  This bothered her, she went to the teacher to complain about it.

The teacher explained politely, “You know, in the initial years of schooling, tending and grooming the love for study should be our first priority. Tom comes here to learn, when I give him stars, he is encouraged to try to do better. It is more important to kindle and tend his passion for learning.”  

Tom's mother was speechless at his teacher’s consideration and wisdom. When our children find difficulties in learning something that other children are picking up quickly, don’t imply that the other children are smarter.

Don’t use negative remarks that will lower their self esteems. Tell them, they will be able to master them by persisting.

Exercise patience, children need our support and encouragement to keep trying. When we consistently communicate our trust in their  abilities, the children will approach life situations with a positive attitude.  This will help boost their self-esteems and maximize their chances for success.

Children’s Self-esteem comes from having their needs met.

* Love your child unconditionally.

* They need to give and to receive love.

* They need to feel safe and to trust the adult who is in charge.

* They need to feel that they are accepted and that they ‘belong’.

* They need to express themselves and have someone listen.

* They need opportunities to explore and foster their talents and passions

* They need to be encouraged and praised when they try new things.

* They need to make their own choices, which gives them  confidence.

* They need to be stimulated to discover and learn new things.

* They need to feel capable of doing something useful.

* They need to have strong role models to guide them.

 To your parenting success

Your Guide to Holistic Childhood Education- Holistic Living Wellness for Your Families

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