What is the best way to help build the self esteem in a child with an overachieving big sister?

Answer 1

you make her feel special in a different way. and you destroy all the beliefs she may have regarding life being a competition. it's not. every single day you must repeat this to her and reaffirm your love, and if possible get big sister to help in this process as well.

Answer 2

It would be a good idea,if the big sister can help little sis with homework,chores,or with personal questions or problems,that little sis may have. Mom can start by explaining to little sis,how people are different,in their own special way. How big sis excels in one project,and point out,how little sis excels in another.Tell little sis,to practice on the things she likes best. She can be better than ever. Tell her as she becomes older,that there will be new things for her to explore,and she will soon find several things she likes. Don't give up! Just keep encouraging her,to do her best,in whatever she does,and be sure to reward her with hug and kiss!. That ought to do the trick! (Good luck)

Answer 3

Here's a tip. And I don't mean this in a bad way. Tell her the truth. If she is talented, let her know that. If she is not, don't lie to the child. The self-empowerment movement is out of hand in the United States. There are simply too many educators and parents that are telling their children that they are special when in reality they are not. It gives them an ego and a dangerous sense of inflated self esteem. It makes them nasty and spoiled. Make them humble. A responsible parent would do that.

Answer 4

As long as you love that child unconditionally, it will even out without you trying anything. I am a living example of how things change overtime. My brother was much smarter than I in grade school. My sister made the honor roll.

When I went to college, I was the one who made straight 'A's for almost eight years. Keep in mind that the child only wants to be a child. It is your projections and irrational expectaions that are the real concerns. Love and positive affirmations are the key.

Answer 5

You need to specify the achievements of the younger child even if they are small. Also, you should pin point certain qualities to praise him/her for. Like if she draws a picture, say "I like the color you chose for the sky". This may sound very simple but I have heard alot of child experts say these little things are very significant. This helps them to think you are not just saying something to make them feel good. If you pin point one thing they really believe you.

Answer 6

as a teen with a perfect older sister, i often run into this problem. i find it's great to spend time with the older sister and see their faults. like, once when i was feeling espscially worthless, me and Heidi (my sister) spent a whole day together. we hung out at the mall and saw a movie. and we'll go out to eat with each other every now and then and i'll feel better about myself.

Answer 7

Find what the other siblings’ interests are and praise whatever they achieve even though it may appear to be minute to others. It will do wonders for their self esteem. Never, never, NEVER compare them to the sibling that is the “over achiever”.

Answer 8

bash the older sister, no just kidding, explain how lucky she is to also have those genes running in her, and help motivate her, but explain there will be heartbreaks along the way. And she will learn from them also, keep a good attitude.

Answer 9

trust me i am a pre teen if you would call it actually 13 but my sister is 17 and she is an overacheiver i get mad sad and sometime even want to kill he rbut i just think positive i can do better than her and my dad tells me (ma is dead) trust me you can do better and keep up the good grades and i get a reward!

hope this helps

Answer 10

Everyone has their strengths, your sister may have found some of hers already. Keep looking for yours! Don't worry! Eventually you'll discover things you're good at!