Tips To Help Your Kids Overcome Low Self-Esteem

April 4, 2023 by Marjorie R. Rogers, MA (English), Certified Consultant

As parents, we hope for our children to feel happy and confident with who they are and what they look like. We want them to have the courage to pursue their dreams and tackle any challenges that come their way.

Unfortunately, low self-esteem is a common issue many children face, and it can have a significant impact on their daily lives. As a parent, it’s essential to understand the signs of low self-esteem and take steps to help your child overcome it.

Building self-esteem is not something that happens over a short period. Instead, it is a process that takes time and effort. This article will provide tips to help your child overcome low self-esteem and develop a positive self-image. Here’s what you can do to help your child overcome self-esteem issues:

Seek professional help

It’s essential to remember that low self-esteem can be complex and may require professional help. Seeking professional help can give your child the necessary tools and support to build their self-esteem and develop a positive self-image.

In some cases, low self-esteem may be related to physical characteristics, such as the nose’s appearance. Some children may be self-conscious about the shape or size of their noses, which can impact their self-esteem. In such cases, rhinoplasty surgery may be an option to consider to help improve their confidence and self-esteem. 

In addition to seeking professional help for body image issues, your child may benefit from counseling or therapy to address underlying emotional issues contributing to low self-esteem. A qualified mental health professional can work with your child to develop coping strategies, build resilience, and develop a positive self-image.

Encourage positive self-talk

Encouraging positive self-talk can be a game-changer in building your child’s self-esteem. By helping them to focus on their unique talents and positive attributes, you’re setting them up for grooming into confident, resilient adults.

So, how can you encourage positive self-talk in your child? Remind your child of their strengths and what they’re good at. Whether it’s their creativity, athleticism, or kindness, highlighting their unique qualities can help them see the value they bring to the world. Encourage them to use positive self-talk when faced with challenges or setbacks. Instead of saying, “I can’t do this,” encourage them to say, “I can do this,” or “I’ll give it my best shot.”

Praise their efforts, not just their achievements

Praising a child’s achievements is important, but it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate their efforts. Focusing solely on their accomplishments may convey that success is only measured by tangible results rather than the hard work and dedication that goes into achieving those results.

By praising your child’s efforts, you acknowledge the time and energy they have put into a task or activity, regardless of the outcome. This can help build their self-esteem and encourage them to continue putting in effort in the future, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

Be specific about what you are praising. For example, instead of simply saying, “Good job,” you could say something like, “I noticed how you stayed focused and kept trying even when it was difficult, and that’s really impressive.” This specific feedback can help your child understand what behaviors and attitudes are valued and encourage them to continue exhibiting those traits in life.

Teach children to take risks

Taking risks is a crucial part of personal growth and can be a powerful way to help your child build their self-esteem. When children take risks, whether it’s trying a new sport or speaking up in class, they learn to step out of their comfort zone and develop confidence in themselves and their abilities.

One of the best ways to guide your child to take risks is to lead by example. When your child sees you stepping out of your comfort zone and taking risks, they’re more likely to feel comfortable doing the same. So go ahead and encourage them to pick up that new hobby or sign up for that public speaking course.

It is crucial to change your child’s view on failure in order to assist them in establishing a growth attitude. Instead of viewing mistakes as a reflection of your child’s talents, teach them to see them as opportunities to learn and grow. This can boost your child’s confidence in taking on new challenges and managing challenging situations.

Avoid comparisons

As parents, we naturally want to see our children succeed in all areas of their lives. However, comparing your child to others, whether it’s academic or athletic achievements, can harm their self-esteem. When we compare our children to others, we convey that their worth is based on how they measure up to others rather than on their unique qualities and abilities.

Instead of comparisons, focusing on your child’s strengths and accomplishments is crucial. Celebrate their successes and encourage them to set goals rather than constantly comparing them to their peers. This can help your child feel more confident in their abilities and value their accomplishments.

Furthermore, avoiding negative comparisons, such as unfavorably comparing your child to a sibling or classmate, is essential. Doing so can create resentment and jealousy and harm your child’s self-esteem and relationships. Instead, encourage your child to celebrate their sibling’s or friend’s successes. 

Create a safe and supportive environment

Creating a safe and supportive environment at home is essential for helping your child develop self-esteem. This means providing a nurturing and loving environment where your child feels safe to express themselves and be themselves without fear of judgment or criticism.

One way to create a safe and supportive environment is to listen to your child with empathy and understanding. Encourage them to express their feelings and opinions, and validate their emotions even if you don’t necessarily agree with them. This will help your child feel heard and understood and build trust between you and your child.

It’s also essential to set clear boundaries and expectations for behavior while allowing your child to have a sense of autonomy and independence. This can help your child develop a sense of responsibility and self-discipline, contributing to healthy self-esteem.

Conclusion 

Building your child’s self-esteem is an ongoing process that requires patience, dedication, and a supportive environment. By implementing these tips, you can help your child develop a positive self-image and the confidence they need to succeed in all areas of their life. Remember to celebrate their strengths, encourage their passions, and always support them through successes and setbacks.