SELF-ESTEEM Q&A FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS

SELF-ESTEEM Q&A FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOLERS

We all want our children to be happy and to succeed in life. Research shows that a healthy self-esteem contributes to that happiness and success and experts say that our self-esteem or self-image is formed in the first five years of childhood. As parents, we need to know what self-esteem really is, why it is important for us to help our children build healthy self-esteem and how we can accomplish this sometimes seemingly daunting task.

Q. What is self-esteem?

A. Self-esteem is a person’s core belief about himself or herself.

Q. Why is important to have high self-esteem or a positive self-image?

A. With a healthy self-esteem or positive view of self, a person is more likely to accept new challenges, seek new experiences, and find happiness and success in life.

Q. When do we build self-esteem?

A. Building self-esteem is a life-long process, but the foundations are established in childhood.

Q. Who has the most influence on a child’s self-esteem?

A. Parents have the greatest influence on a child’s belief in himself or herself, and they are in the best position to implement the six components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem.

Q. What are the six components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem?

A. The six components of child development that contribute to building self-esteem are:

1. Mastering tasks and skills

2. Valuing strengths and qualities

3. Feeling appreciated, loved and accepted

4. Expressing feelings

5. Acknowledging and coping with fears

6. Liking oneself and feeling safe in one’s environment

Q. How can parents help their children develop a positive self-image?

A. Parents can help their children develop a positive self-image with three simple steps:

1. Show and tell your child that you love and care for him or her: children gain a sense of who they are by the way their parents talk to them and act towards them.

2. Praise 2, 3 or 4 times for every time you criticize: children learn about how well they are doing by how parents react to their behavior...but they need a lot of support and encouragement.

3. Give your child age-appropriate chores and responsibilities: children learn how to work with others by learning how to cooperate within their own family.

There are many great resources for parents…in books, on the Web; even your local library may have programs, not only for young children, but also programs that encourage the participation of parents. Local parenting groups can offer support and other parents may have tips on what worked for them. Just remember that your child is a unique as is your family. Many times suggestions or recommendations may have to be tailored to suit your situation.

Vivian Kirkfield is a former kindergarten teacher, mom of 3 and author of SHOW ME HOW! BUILD YOUR CHILD’S SELF-ESTEEM THROUGH READING, CRAFTING AND COOKING, a unique resource for parents of preschoolers that pinpoints 100 picture books every young child should hear and provides a story summary, gentle parenting tip, eco-friendly craft project and child-friendly healthful recipe for each recommended title. She lives in Colorado with her husband of forty-three years and enjoys fly-fishing, skydiving and hiking when she isn’t reading, crafting and cooking. You can contact her at Vivian@positiveparentalparticipation.com or, to learn more about the book and to find fun-filled self-esteem building activities visit Vivian's website. In her parenting blog, Positive Parental Participation she shares tips and information for parents of preschoolers and sometimes just talks about her experiences with parenting and the ups and downs of life in general. You can follow tweets on Twitter or friend her on Facebook. Vivian loves sharing and is always happy to be talking about her passions: uplifting young children and picture books.