The University of Alabama’s Dr. Laura Bloom provides just a few suggestions on how families can promote positive self-esteem.
- Respond to your child’s basic needs in a timely and consistent manner. This teaches him that he is important and can count on those around them.
- Have developmentally appropriate expectations. Knowing what behaviors and activities are reasonably expected at a particular age will increase the likelihood that your child will be able to achieve those goals.
- Allow your child to feel good about his accomplishments; set him up for success rather than failure.
- Encourage a certain level of independence and freedom. Allowing your child to take on more responsibility nurtures self-esteem and allows him to take pride in what he has accomplished.
- Take a positive spin on expectations. Rather than focusing on the behavior that is not desired, acknowledge desirable behaviors and accomplishments. Gradually, your child will learn that he will not be rewarded for every positive behavior, but the expectations will be clear and presented in a positive manner.
- Provide your child with a safe place to express his feelings. Learning to vocalize or express negative feelings in an acceptable manner allows your child to feel valued and be seen as an important part of the family.
Bloom is an assistant professor in UA’s College of Human Environmental Sciences’ department of human development and family studies.
