As families, we all want our kids to feel good about themselves. How often do we have those moments when we step away and say, "How should I start, when does it begin?" According to the National Mental Health Center, children with high self-esteem:

• Act independently
• Assume responsibility
• Take pride in their accomplishments
• Tolerate frustration
• Handle peer pressure appropriately
• Attempt new tasks and challenges
• Handle positive and negative emotions
• Offer assistance to others 

As parents we all want our kids to feel good about themselves. Our home is where that nurturing begins and it is up to us to give kids the tools to build the self esteem. I make it a point to reach out and give hugs. Some of the phrases I use in my house:

• "Doesn't it feel great when you study for a test and get 100%?"
• "You are such a good helper."
• "I think you are a terrific kid"
• "You have a giving heart"
• "You are a really smart kid"
• "I love seeing you enjoying what you are learning."
• "I am proud of all of your efforts

Other activities: Ask them to help you Do the dishes (What can they load or unload from the dishwasher?) Make their own lunch Vacuum Fold laundry (Even if it is just washcloths, let them feel they did it wonderfully!) Put groceries away Draw a picture so you can hang it somewhere for everyone to see It doesn't matter that the help isnt done correctly. What matters most is how they feel about their accomplishments and that they have been good helpers.

These are just a few ideas and it really doesn't matter how well they do it. Kids want to please adults so just praise them for their effort. Our children's books, Bur Bur and Friends, are written to instill self-esteem in kids through example. Children connect with our characters and when they see a child discovering new things, solving problems, an effort made or an accomplishment.

What are things you do to build self esteem with the kids in your life? Please share below!

Book Covers and other products from the award winning Bur Bur and Friend's children's book series: Bur Bur and Friends is a cast of friends, multiracial kids who help toddler, preschool, kindergarten and early elementary school kids cultivate their self-esteem and talents by teaching them about sports, outdoor exploration and active play though their experiences. Bur Bur and Friends characters are based off of real life kids like yours

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 13th, 2009 at 12:32 am and is filed under Community Board. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.