What are some tips to help me boost my toddler's self-esteem?

Question

I am wondering, what are some ways to boost a child's self-esteem without spoiling them.....

Answer 1

Here is a few tips that I've found helpful with my toddler son - he's very confident and self-assured already at the age of 25 months.

How can a parent help to foster healthy self-esteem in a child? Here are some tips that can make a big difference:

- Watch what you say. Children are very sensitive to parents' words. Remember to praise your child not only for a job well done, but also for effort. But be truthful. For example, if your child doesn't make the soccer team, avoid saying something like, "Well, next time you'll work harder and make it." Instead, say something like, "Well, you didn't make the team, but I'm really proud of the effort you put into it." Reward effort and completion instead of outcome.

- Be a positive role model. If you are excessively harsh on yourself, pessimistic, or unrealistic about your abilities and limitations, your child may eventually mirror you. Nurture your own self-esteem, and your child will have a great role model.

- Identify and redirect your child's inaccurate beliefs. It's important for parents to identify kids' irrational beliefs about themselves, whether they are about perfection, attractiveness, ability, or anything else. Helping your child set more accurate standards and be more realistic in evaluating himself or herself will help your child have a more healthy self-concept. Inaccurate perceptions of self can take root and become reality to a child. For example, a child who does very well in school but struggles with math may say, "I can't do math. I'm a bad student." Not only is this a false generalization, it's also a belief that will set your child up for failure. Encourage your child to see the situation in its true light. A helpful response might be: "You are a good student. You do great in school. Math is just a subject that you need to spend more time on. We'll work on it together."

- Be spontaneous and affectionate with your child. Your love will go a long way to boost your child's self-esteem. Give your child hugs. Tell your child you're proud of him or her. Leave a note in your child's lunch box that reads, "I think you're terrific!" Give praise frequently and honestly, without overdoing it. Kids can tell whether something comes from the heart.

- Give positive, accurate feedback. A comment such as, "You always work yourself up into such a frenzy!" will cause a child to start believing he or she has no control over his or her outbursts. A better statement is, "You were really mad at your brother. But I appreciate that you didn't yell at him or hit him." This acknowledges your child's feelings and rewards the choice that your child made, encouraging your child to make the right choice again next time.

- Create a safe, nurturing home environment. A child who does not feel safe or is being abused at home will suffer immensely from low self-esteem. A child who is exposed to parents who fight and argue repeatedly may become depressed and withdrawn. Always remember to respect your child.

- Make your home a safe haven for your family. Watch for signs of abuse by others, problems in school, trouble with peers, and other potential factors that may affect your child's self-esteem. Deal with these issues sensitively but swiftly.

- Help your child become involved in constructive experiences.

- Activities that encourage cooperation rather than competition are especially helpful in fostering self-esteem. For example, mentoring programs in which an older child helps a younger one learn to read can do wonders for both children.

Answer 2

vanity is outfitted with the help of fulfillment. Set objectives in spite of the incontrovertible fact that small and finished them. a million. make something which may be accomplished in an afternoon--something crafty you could discover on some television channel 2. plan a visit to someplace you have never been, even on the brink of abode--and bypass start up with toddler steps--small reports and build as much as ones that take an prolonged volume of time to attain (like getting to know a foreign places language or graduating from college). in case you start up with something extensive you could stop and decrease vanity.

Answer 3

Encouragement when something positive done.Plus a reward,get excited and show them how happy you are.Always tell them they can do it if they try really hard.Explain them right from wrong and let them know about the consequences,good or bad.When my 5 year old does something good,i don't care where we are,i start jumping up and dawn by telling him he did it.He gets really confident.

Answer 4

I found an article on line....

http://www.toddlerstoday.com/articles/3604.php

It should be very helpful. Basically positive reinforcement, good boy/girl when they do things right... Allowing them to do things to help make them independent like dressing themselves or washing their hands. Good luck!

Answer 5

DEAR
USE DVDS THAT TEACH LIKE BEAR IN THE BIG BLUE HOUSE BARNEY THOMAS THE TRAIN FRANKLIN THE TURTLE DORA PBS STATION TV
OK TAKE CARE

Answer 6

Have them do stuff and then praise them when they accomplish it. Even having them pick up their toys and clapping when they finish is good.

Answer 7

constant verbal praising and spend lotsa time with them. try and let him or her try things first before u do it, like getting dressed or tying shoes, ect.