Building a Healthy Self-Esteem in Your Child

Zuleyka Lopez Lisojo | LICSW

How would you describe your self-esteem? Self-esteem is a very delicate topic, and one many of us avoid. Why do we avoid this topic? Maybe because it intimidates us to know how fragile our self-esteem really is. Maybe because we are afraid to discover that deep down we already know our self-esteem is broken. A self-esteem that has been damaged by situations that have marked our life, our beliefs, and our emotions. Limiting beliefs that have tied us to a lie—a lie about ourselves and about life itself. And the saddest thing is that, in some cases, we tend to project our limiting beliefs and our low self-esteem onto our children.

My work as a mental health professional and Coach is to help you change your mindset, improve your self-esteem, and positively influence the children around you. My vision is to foster in adults and children an empowered mindset so they can be happy and fulfilled, and achieve their dreams.

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem refers to the value and perception a person has of themselves. In children, this shows up in how they see themselves and how they feel about their abilities, achievements, and worth as individuals.

Healthy Self-Esteem:

Today I want to share some tips for mothers and fathers so that you can

foster and promote healthy self-esteem in your children:

1. Show unconditional love: Children need to feel that they are loved and valued regardless of their achievements. Love is unconditional.

2. Offer sincere praise: Praise your child’s effort and perseverance instead of only the results. Acknowledge their achievements, no matter how small, to strengthen their sense of competence.

3. Encourage autonomy: Allow children to make age-appropriate decisions and give them the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

4. Promote acceptance of diversity: Teach children to value and respect differences between people. This will help them develop a positive self-image and accept their own quirks.

5. Teach coping skills: Help children develop strategies to manage stress, frustration, and difficult moments. This will give them confidence in their ability to face challenges.

6. Model positive self-esteem: Avoid excessive self-criticism and show how to handle mistakes and criticism in a constructive way.

7. Encourage hobbies and activities: Encourage children to participate in activities they are passionate about and where they can shine. Success in these areas will strengthen their self-esteem.

8. Open communication: Listen actively and offer emotional support.

Maybe you already knew this information before? And why, even though you already know this information, is it still so hard to apply it consistently? Many times, we need someone—a professional, a Coach—who can help us put this knowledge into practice. We need a professional who can help us stay accountable. A professional we can go to with questions and with whom we can practice the different strategies we are learning. Maybe you don’t have the time for an in-person appointment, but how about a virtual session? Nowadays we have the convenience of seeing health professionals virtually and confidentially. It is essential that we recognize the value and importance of changing our mindset and developing healthy self-esteem for ourselves and our children. That is where the key lies to truly doing what is necessary to seek help.

In summary, fostering self-esteem in children is essential for their healthy development. By providing love, support, and opportunities for growth, we can help our children build a solid foundation of self-confidence that will accompany them throughout their lives. Positive self-esteem will allow them to face challenges, make informed decisions, and maintain healthy relationships, paving the way for a bright and successful future.

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