Help Your Child Create a Positive Self-Image

In this article we’ll teach you how you can help your child form a positive self-image from an early age.

Did you know that the image your child will have of themselves is, in part, conditioned by what you teach them? Yes, parents are vital in the formation of a child’s self-esteem.

Family is the most important context for the formation of a positive self-image. As parents, we reflect back on them as we’re the child’s first mirror. What an important job!

Every one of our children is the most handsome, the most intelligent and the ablest child. These affirmations, although small, are a great way to create confidence in our children.

It’s important for children to grow up knowing they can achieve anything they put their minds to.

All of these behaviors are part of a great process that accompanies our children for many years; the creation of a positive self-image.

Forming a positive self-image

Our self-image is formed by what we see and observe together with the reflection that others offer us.

This means that both the child themselves and the environment around them will provide information for them to create the first image of themselves.

Self-image is created and defined throughout a child’s development. It’s influenced by important people within the family, the school and social environment. It’s also formed as a result of their own experience of successes and failures.

–Machargo–

The influence we as parents have over our children’s self-image means that we can create a healthy balance in their self-esteem.

Up until the age of 10-12, the closest environment of a child will be their family and their school. That’s why we should promote their self-esteem in both of these environments. Here are a few benefits:

• They’ll grow up happier.
• They’ll develop their own abilities.
• Our children will feel more confident.
• They’ll be able to handle their successes as well as their failures.
• They’ll have a greater ability to trust others and themselves.

If you believe that helping your child in this regard only means telling them nice and positive things, here are some recommendations that could help you in this task:

Ways to help create a positive self-image

• Think about your child. Think about all those qualities and characteristics that make them unique and special. Nobody could ever be identical to your child. Recognize their value as a unique human being.
• Be realistic. This doesn’t mean you should lie. It simply consists of helping your child see who they really are and what they’re truly capable of.
• Focus on their strengths. Everyone has them. Why should a parent only focus on a child’s weaknesses? Their abilities will take them where they want to be in life.

• Give them your unconditional love. Your child deserves to be loved simply for who they are. When children feel that love is subject to conditions, they’ll hold on to this belief until adulthood. This may influence all of their future relationships.
• Encourage critical thinking. Help your child solve problems without judging the amount of time it takes them. Give them your support and help them look for solutions. Providing them with solutions will make them feel insecure and in the future they won’t feel confident enough to face their problems alone.
• Value and recognize their achievements. Seeing your reaction in response to their achievements will be a positive reinforcement in itself. Don’t stop celebrating their successes.
• Respect your child. Being a child is also being a person with unique characteristics. Respect your child’s opinions. Show interest in their preferences and their way of thinking. Make your child feel like they’re understood. You may not agree with them but you can value their opinion.
• Listen. Teaching your child that they have the right to express themselves and to be listened to will be of great help. This will allow your child to express themselves in new and different environments.

In conclusion, loving, respecting and valuing your child is very important when it comes to their self-esteem. It will show your child that they’re just as capable as everyone else.

Even though sometimes they may not think so, they possess many qualities that make them unique.