Creative Sky Psychology Talks...Fostering Healthy Self-Esteem in Children?
Updated: Apr 3
Creative Sky Psychology supports the growth of children, teens, and parents. We aim to build a child or teen's self-esteem to promote their emotional, social, and educational development. Building self-esteem takes time, and can be a gradual process that requires patience, effort, and support from both parents and professionals. It is important to find out what may be causing a child's low self-esteem to identify and treat the underlying issue. For example, if a child is experiencing untreated academic issues or anxiety, this can lead to negative self-talk and low-self esteem. Children often benefit from supportive therapy to address the root cause.
Low Self-Esteem in Children Can be Caused by a Variety of Factors, Including:
Negative self-talk: Children who engage in negative self-talk, such as putting themselves down or focusing on their weaknesses, are more likely to have low self-esteem.
Criticism and negative feedback: Children who are frequently criticized or receive negative feedback from others are more likely to have low self-esteem.
Lack of positive reinforcement: Children who do not receive positive reinforcement or praise for their accomplishments and positive behaviors may have low self-esteem.
Comparison to others: Children who compare themselves unfavorably to others, or who feel like they are not measuring up to expectations, are more likely to have low self-esteem.
Traumatic experiences: Children who have experienced trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or bullying, are more likely to have low self-esteem.
Mental health conditions: Children with mental health conditions, such as ADHD, Depression or Anxiety, are more likely to have low self-esteem. Treatment for such conditions often creates a dramatic improvement in a child or teen's self-esteem.
How Can Parents Help Build Self-Esteem in Children?
Building self-esteem in children is an important aspect of parenting. Here are some strategies that can help:
Provide positive reinforcement: Reinforce positive behavior and accomplishments by acknowledging and praising your child. Focus on their strengths and unique qualities, rather than criticizing their weaknesses.
Encourage independence: Encourage your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities and to make their own decisions. This will help them develop a sense of competence and self-reliance.
Foster positive relationships: Encourage your child to form positive relationships with others, and to participate in activities and hobbies that they enjoy.
Teach coping skills: Teach your child coping skills and strategies for managing their emotions and stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, journalling and problem-solving.
Avoid over-criticism: Avoid criticizing or belittling your child, and instead focus on offering constructive feedback and support.
Encourage effort, not just results: Emphasize the importance of effort and hard work, rather than just the end result. This will help your child develop a growth mindset and a sense of resilience.
Set achievable goals: Help your child set achievable goals, and provide support and encouragement as they work towards them.
Creative Sky Psychology supports children and teens with low self-esteem by examining the underlying cause or root of low self-esteem. By understanding the cause of a child or teen's low self-esteem, parents and professionals can work to provide support, encouragement, and positive reinforcement to help children and teens build their self-esteem and develop healthy self-concepts.
