Contributed by Dr. Andrea Weiner
Self-esteem focuses on the strengths of an individual to create a sense of personal value or self-worth. Back in the '60s and '70s when the self-esteem movement was at its height, parents were told to praise their children for their positive attributes to build high levels of self-esteem. The problem with this approach is if children do not believe this positive praise about themselves, no amount of words from others can alter their doubting beliefs.
The flip side of this is that a child never learns to accept their weaknesses. We are all imperfect, and those unacceptable weaknesses get squelched and become unbearable secrets we don't want anyone to discover.
Self-esteem without self-knowledge is arrogance. It can stop children from persevering towards a defined goal when the going gets tough because false self-esteem is superficial and doesn't allow one to access the deep reserves that true self-esteem can provide.
To insure that children develop true self-worth, follow these tips:
- Use praise appropriately: Praise is important for children but it needs to be specific to the accomplishment. This allows them to know exactly what they did to deserve the praise and it is directed back to them. For example, "You should be very proud of that A on that spelling test since you really studied hard to learn those new words. Good job!" This lets them know exactly why they are being praised, which increases their internal validation about their talents and efforts.
- Help children practice empathetic acceptance: Empathetic acceptance embraces all aspects of who we are including our strengths and weaknesses. Helping children to be aware, without judgment, that their weaknesses and limitations allow them to see a complete picture of themselves, not just the edited version. Accepting oneself with all of our frailties and good qualities is the true act of self-love.
- Teach empathy on how it feels to be in someone else's shoes: Ask your child how it would feel if someone acted better than them and tried to boss them around. Would he/she feel angry, sad or upset? Point out that it's great to love and appreciate oneself but not when it crosses the line of superiority and smugness.
- Provide experiences that require effort to learn success: The greatest self-esteem experience is when a child can succeed through hard work, effort, and working through any possible fear or limitations. By supporting, encouraging, and allowing children to go through the throes of a challenging situation or circumstance can turn it into a life changing can do experience and lead to higher levels of success and self-worth.
>> Dr. Andrea Weiner is the founder of Emotionally Smart Beginnings, educational products teaching emotional and social skills for children and parents. She is the author of The Best Investment: Unlocking the Secrets of Social Success for Your Child and More Than Saying I Love You: 4 Powerful Steps That Help Children Love Themselves. Her books have made her a popular media guest, parent coach, lecturer and workshop leader. For tips on how to help your child develop life long skills based on social and emotional intelligence and well-being visit: www.drandie.com.