How we can Help Children to Develop their Self-Esteem

Most theorists agree that there is a link between a child's development and their respective emotional levels. The views of the theorists also clarify the most influential stages in a child's life when emotional development is necessary and how this development reinforces a child's self esteem. By the time a child is three years old, the child becomes an emotionally complex person familiar with a wide range of emotions. As parents, teachers, and caregivers we need to help promote our children's emotional development so that they will be able to develop healthy relationships with their peers and learn how to manage their emotions effectively. Self-esteem is the opinion one holds of the self. It is a combination of ideas, beliefs and concepts that a person judges to be true about of the self in relation to experience. A person's level of self-esteem determines how fit the person feels to meet the challenges of life and to what degree that person feels worthy of love. Self-esteem development begins early in life.

Most parents want their young children to have a healthy sense of self-esteem. That desire can also be seen in education--schools around the country include self-esteem among their goals. Many observers believe that low self-esteem lies at the bottom of many of society's problems. Children with high self-esteem are happier and more successful and prosperous in their future lives. Low self-esteem is common to children who are performing badly at school, having behavioral problems and suffering from depression. At the early age parents should encourage every communicational effort of their child. In toddlers, the speed of growth is very high. Children may be so active that in many cases parents are even to keep their infants away from things that can be dangerous for health. We need to control our child's behavior so that the child doesn't hurt others or damage their valuable belongings. But we also need to give children opportunities to express this exploratory behavior without constant restrictions and criticism.
As parents we want to protect our children from all life's pain and discomfort, however, no matter how much we try, it is an impossible task. If we carefully monitor our child's activities and achievements, and pay attention to whatever unfolds in their daily lives, we will be able to provide our children with great opportunities for emotional growth and understanding through life's knocks and shocks. We should encourage situations that allow children to practice generosity, to apologize, to be forgiving, to share.