Boost Your Child S Self Esteem

Boost Your Child's Self-esteem

Many people have a strong opinion on the importance of self-esteem in children. Some people have a negative opinion and believe too much emphasis is placed on self-esteem today. Other's believe strongly that self-esteem development is crucial in children.

The truth is that both parties have a share in the truth. There is probably too much emphasis on self-esteem today and self-esteem development is crucial. However middle ground can be found between the two groups. The emphasis shouldn't be on building self-esteem but rather helping children learn and grow so they naturally develop a feeling of worth and value.

Self-esteem is a major key to success in life. The development of a positive self-concept or healthy self-esteem is extremely important to the happiness and success of children.

Self-esteem is how we feel about ourselves, and our behavior clearly reflects those feelings. If you child has high self-esteem she is likely to act independently, assume responsibility, take pride in her accomplishments, tolerate frustration, attempt new tasks and challenges, handle positive and negative emotions, and offer assistance to others. If your child has low self-esteem he will avoid trying new things, feel unloved and unwanted, blame others for his own shortcomings, feel (or pretend to feel) emotionally indifferent, be unable to tolerate a normal level of frustration, put down his own talents and abilities, and be easily influenced.

Parents have the most influence on their child's self-esteem. Most parents do not realize how great an impact their words and actions have on their child.

Be Quick With Praise

When you feel good about your child, mention it to him. Parents are often quick to express negative feelings to children but often don't get around to describing positive feelings. A child doesn't know when you are feeling good about him unless you tell him. He needs to hear you tell him that you like having him in the family. Children remember positive statements we say to them. They store them up and "replay" these statements to themselves. Make a point of giving your child words of encouragement throughout each day. Look for situations in which your child is doing a good job, working hard, trying a new challenge, overcoming a difficulty or displaying a talent.

Lay It On Thick

Be generous with your praise. Use what is called descriptive praise rather than the general, such as "good job". For example, during a recent swimming lesson my son was expected to swim the length of the pool. He was frightened and didn't think he could make it. When he successfully accomplished the goal I told him I was proud of him for two things. One for trying even though he was afraid he'd fail and two for pushing himself to reach his goal.

Make Them Talk The Talk

Teach your child to practice making positive self-statements. Psychologists have found that negative self-talk is frequently the root cause of depression and anxiety. What we think determines how we feel about ourselves and those feelings determine how we behave. This is the reason it is important to teach children talk to themselves in a positive manner. You can start them off by asking directed questions.

Avoid Name Calling

While it is often important for parents to be critical, the focus should be on the action you would like to see rather than the child. Rather than calling a child a slob for keeping a messy room focus on the desired action, which is to sort clothes and toys into their proper places. Encourage the child by saying something like "I know you can get this place ship shape by dinner" and reward them with specific praise "You did a great job cleaning up your room".

Always Speak Of Your Child As If They Were Listening

Many parents do a wonderful job of building up their child's self esteem while spending time with the child. Then later they undo all their good work and let the child overhear some negative comments. It is difficult to explain away or undo this damage as you may well not even know when it occurs. Obviously parents need to communicate with each other about their children and adults often need to vent their frustrations. Just make sure when you do so that your child is not able to overhear. Even a child who is apparently concentrating on play will perk his ears when he hears his name.

If you follow these five methods then your child's self esteem will grow.

BONUS : Breastfeeding - A Ladder For Good Health

Mother's milk is one of the best foods for babies that anyone could think about. It contains ample amount of proteins and nutrients which could beat any other health drink for your child. The usefulness of this milk becomes more important because it protects the baby from some of the worst health problems.

There is no substitute for breast milk so providing this milk to your child would be the best thing to give to your child. It has been studied that children who have been breastfed grow faster and are healthier than the ones who have not been breastfed.

Breast milk contains lactoferrin which helps in absorption of iron and protects the intestine from any harmful bacteria. The other component called lipases helps in digesting your fats which helps in baby's growth and development. It not only serves the purpose of providing nutrients to your child but also in serving the purpose to quench to your baby’s thirst and fill-in your baby's stomach.

The IQ of the child also increases by providing breast milk. It saves lot of time and money as you don’t have to sit up late night and mix the formula for your baby. The cost baby food is also cut which gives more time for the mother to be with her baby.

It creates a bond between the mother and child which binds them together. Nursing helps the mother to loose the extra pounds which she gained during her pregnancy. It burns out lot of calories which helps in bringing back the original size. If there are any chances of bleeding after child birth it lessens due to breast feeding. The risk of breast and ovarian cancer is minimal.

Some common remedies to help breastfeeding

-To arouse lactation for better quality and quantity, consumption of alfalfa is very useful
-To remove the hard feeling from your breast place a wet towel on your breast for 10 minutes which has been soaked in hot water
-Use of chamomile helps in controlling inflamed breast
-To minimize pain and inflammation, use of castor oil is very useful
-Having the baby in different positions for feeding also helps
-Consumption of fennel tea and almonds helps in increasing the milk production
-To relieve pain massaging Vitamin E oil on your breast is very good
-Having good amount of yogurt or curd helps in keeping the bacteria and other infection at bay