As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see your child suffer from low self-esteem. Although you want your child to grow up confident, there comes a time when they will feel insecure which can have a negative effect on their performance in school and in extracurricular activities. How can you help your child feel good about themselves? Here are some ways:
Address Their Insecurity
There are many reasons why a child might not feel confident. They might be getting teased by their classmates for the way they look or they might be lagging behind during class. If it is something that can be changed, like a crooked tooth or an overbite, addressing it can help boost your child’s self-esteem. Find an orthodontist in Redwood City and talk about getting your child braces to fix their smile.
But Do Not Be Too Involved
There is a limit to how much you can parent. It is understandable that you want to guide your child every step of the way and protect them from whatever may try to harm them. Doing everything for your child will cause more harm than good.
Instead, let your child make decisions on their own. Sometimes, you need to step back and just watch your child figure things out on their own. Your only role is to support and comfort them if they make mistakes. These experiences, including failure, teach valuable life lessons that will prepare your child for the world. If you continue to be overprotective, you are robbing your child the opportunity to become grow up competent and have trust in their abilities.
Praise Efforts, Not Results
Parents typically reward their children’s achievements, like getting high marks in a test at school or winning a competition. While that is perfectly fine, you should also acknowledge the effort that your child invests in an activity. Give your child a compliment for trying their best, even if they do not end up on top. Be interested in the process rather than the result. Focus on what they can control like hard work and dedication instead of innate intelligence or talent. This way, you raise them knowing the value of perseverance, pushing them to continue trying until they reach their goals.
Encourage Their Interests
You need to show your child that you believe in them by encouraging them to pursue their interests. Whether they want to learn to play a musical instrument or join the school’s sports team, you should always rally behind them. Knowing that their parents support them will build their confidence.
Show Your Child How to be Confident
Your child sees you as a role model. They are likely to mimic you because they look at you for guidance on how to live in the world. Do not be too hard on yourself. Whenever you want to make a self-deprecating comment in front of your child, stop. Instead, be a good example; practice positive self-talk so your child will grow up with a healthy self-image and mindset.
Your child is precious and as much as possible, you want to protect them from getting hurt. However, your role as a parent is to not shield them from experiencing and knowing the world. To raise them to become confident and valuable members of society, you have to let them figure things out on their own.