How to help children improve their self-esteem, in 7 keys

Childhood is a stage of life that is key in many aspects. Not only the basic functioning of reality is learned, but the foundations of what is known about oneself are established. That is why it is very important know how to help children improve their self-esteem, objective to which this article is dedicated.

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Help children to have a good self-esteem

When you are small and have few resources to face the challenges posed by the world, the role of fathers, mothers, older siblings or guardians it should not be limited to acting as a protective shield, that is, to prevent something bad from coming into contact with the perception of the youngest.

This is so because it is impossible to fully protect, on the one hand, and because without the possibility of accepting certain setbacks from the life, one reaches adulthood without the ability to emotionally (or even cognitively) manage situations complicated.

Therefore, the lives of boys and girls must be

a balance between protection and the possibility of learning as you go to overcome difficulties. But in this harmony it is relatively easy for some experiences to undermine their self-esteem, since there will always be room for a situation to overwhelm them due to their relative vulnerability.

Therefore, it is good to monitor the development of their self-esteem, intervening when self-esteem is low. How to do the latter? Below you will find several basic recommendations, although all of them must be adapted to the specific context in which the minor lives.

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1. Help him find friends with his interests

In childhood, the simple fact of not fitting in with a peer group due to hobbies, it can mean being excluded and isolated. But, fortunately, as adults we can help the little ones find other children in the environment with whom they can get along and share interests.

2. Recognize your achievements

The lack of time does not have to be an obstacle to congratulate the little ones on their achievements. Ultimately, the entire stage of childhood is a constant learning process, so it will be easy for moments of this type to occur, and many of them may even have a special meaning for the youngest members of the house.

3. Don't put a label on them

Making them assume a label that defines who they are is a mistake, since it favors not being set objectives and goals beyond the limited repertoire of roles and attitudes expected of they. That is why, from their point of view, everything in which they perceive that they fail may be attributable to limitations related to its alleged essence.

4. spend time together

Something that also serves to reinforce children's self-esteem is to make them see that they are important to us and that they care for us. their point of view, their opinions, their interests matter... If this is accompanied by the expression of affection, they will feel more supported.

5. Help take care of yourself

Already from childhood, the effect of leading a healthy life affects self-esteem. It is not about fitting into the canons of what is considered aesthetic, but by being healthy we feel with more energy and ability to face the day to day.

Therefore, a healthy and balanced diet, an adequate level of hygiene and the practice of regular exercise are your allies.

6. Avoid comparisons

At such a young age, it's hard to fully understand the nuances needed to fully assimilate constructively a comparison with other people, especially if the latter have their age. So it is better to avoid comparisons. Among other things, because they can also end up working as a way of labeling and limiting their possibilities.

7. Encourage him to develop projects

Proposing projects and seeing their progress is an excellent way to improve self-esteem at any age, since allow you to check what you are capable of. For this reason, it is good that children do it from an early age: not everything is based on working on tasks that must be done at school.