Building a Child's Self Esteem, Compliment Don't Criticize

Self Esteem is extremely valuable. If your child has a good sense of self-worth he or she will be less likely to give into peer pressure, and more likely to be successful, have healthy relationships, and excel in general. I find self-esteem, high or low, stems from how a child is treated at home. Parents with a good sense of self-worth seem to, in most cases, pass that on to their children, where parents who suffer from a low self-esteem seem to pass that on to their children as well.

If we look at families who have a low self-esteem there is one thing that seems to be a common thread-criticism. Parents often think that if they tell a child what he or she is doing wrong, and if only they would do blah blah instead, this will change the child's behavior. In most cases the opposite happens. The child, or anyone for that matter, usually knows what they are doing is undesirable, criticism only frustrates them, making them feel less loved, less cared about, and lowers their self-esteem.

What is the alternative? Sincere praise. Praise goes a long way in building a child's self-esteem. We need to tell our children daily how wonderful they are, and acknowledge their successess. Think about a time when you have received recognition for a job well done. Now think about a time when someone criticized something you had done. Which of the two motivated you to perform better? Most likely it was the time you received praise. Our children are no different.

Many times the child who acts up more, and makes it harder to find things to praise him or her for, is the child who needs praise the most. If you are having a difficult time finding things to praise this child for, start by making a list of 10 things you like about this child, or person. Then find opportunities through out the day to compliment that child on those things. Compliment when you want to criticize. Suprise your child. I promise you will see a difference in him or her.

As parents we love our children very much and want the best for them. We want them to be the best they can be, and criticism seems to come so natural to some. But criticism is not an affective way to help our child become that great person they were born to be. Change the criticism into compliments, and fill your child with self-esteem.

Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog today. I hope that things that I have shared today have been inspirational. My hope is that we can all continue to learn and practice true principles enabling us to live a happier, more peaceful life.

Until next time,
Daneece