Building the Self Esteem of Children and Youth

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Methods for Building and Fostering Self-Esteem in Children and Youth

II. Child and Adolescent Self-Esteem Building

Self-Esteem is essential to the happiness and success of children and teens.  A child with healthy self-esteem will be able to act independently, assume responsibility for own actions, take pride in accomplishments, tolerate frustration, attempt new tasks and challenges, handle positive and negative emotions, and offer assistance to others.

Some suggested steps for developing and improving self-esteem in your child are as follows:

  • 1. When you feel good about your child, mention it to him/her, offering words of encouragement. 
  • 2. Be generous with verbal praise.
  • 3. Teach your child to practice positive self statements.  This can be taught as much by example as by instruction.  Watch your own self talk.
  • 4. Avoid critisism that takes the form of ridicule or shame. 5. Teach your child about decision making and recognize when your child has made a good decision.

Verbal Praise Examples:

  • 1. You're right on track now! 
  • 2. You did a great job! 
  • 3. That's coming along nicely.
  • 4. Excellent job!
  • 5. Well done!
  • 6. I knew you could do it!
  • 7. Keep up the good work!
  • 8. Tremendous!
  • 9. Marvelous!
  • 10. Good thinking.

Book and Internet Resources: