Parents need to fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can’t poke enough holes to drain it.–Alvin Price
Read our parenting hot topic for the month: Self-Esteem. What is self-esteem and what does self-esteem look like for children?
Simply put, self-esteem is choosing to like yourself and who you are.
Parental attitudes and behaviors are key factors in the development of a child’s self-esteem. Building your child’s self-esteem begins at birth and is done by helping them know that they are loved and helping them have a sense of belonging. Allowing children to have new experiences and build new skills also helps boost positive thoughts about themselves. Here are some resources to help you foster your child’s sense of self.
- Learn more by reading Who AM I? Developing a Sense of Self and Belonging, from ZERO TO THREE
- Try these strategies around Helping Your Child Develop A Healthy Sense of Self-Esteem, from HealthyChildren.org
- Check out this list of Books That Help Kids Know and Love Themselves, from readbrightly.com
- Watch and sing along to What I Am from Sesame Street.
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