Parenting Australia

Hi I have a four and two year old. Everyone talks about how important self esteem is for children and adults and from the lack of self esteem many issues arise but how do you teach young children self esteem?? If anyway has any ideas please let me know. Thanks

I say I love you to both my kids 100 times over in a day. But always is the last word before I turn out the light.

When they have their needs met, and some of their wants. They know they are loved you are on the right track.

I taught my daughter how to approach other kids in the playground. She is 3 and will walk up to any kids say " Hi Im Zoe, whats your name and once the child responds she will say. Do you want to play with me? She is learning the steps of making friends. She is a positive person and people flock to positive people. The bigger support network anyone has the better chance they have of having good self esteem.

I also listen to any of her worries as if they are very real, cause to her they are.

I hope this helps a bit

This is a subject very close to my heart. My husband and I wanted to ensure that our daughter (now daughters) grew up knowing their own self-importance and with high self-esteem. As per the previous reply we also advise them of of much they are loved several times a day. We also take the time to sit and discuss any issues that are raised. A simple 'how was your day' at the end of each day can bring up issues and you can sit and discuss them with your child.

We also came across a book several years ago called 'Incredible You' by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer. It is taken from his book for adults called 10 Secrets to success and Inner Peace, which he has now interpreted for children. It teaches your child to know they are unique and powerful beings, and they they have everything they need within themselves to create happy and successful lives. We have used this with our older daughter often and have also found her reading it herself. One day children at school had been whispering about her, and we found her later that evening with the book open to a page about just that!

Dr. Wayne W. Dyer has also written 3 more books in the series which are equally wonderful. The books actually inspired me to start my own business, an online and mobile shop where parents can locate books on self-esteem, positivity, inspiration and additives and allergy. We basically want to inspire families to live well.

I'm not sure if I can mention my website in this forum, it is www.limelizard.com.au, however if this is against any rules I'm happy to withdraw it.

I'm not trying to 'sell' anything, but just wanted you to know that there are avenues of assistance such as these books to help with the self-esteem issue. It is certainly worth working on every day!

Hope this helps!