Counselor’s Corner September 2006

Mrs. Theobold – School Counselor

Asset # 1 – Family Support

How can I ... help build my child’s self esteem?

“Children with high self esteem believe in themselves and have a sense of importance and self-respect. Self-esteem affects how your child will approach new tasks or challenges and how he interacts with others. Children with low self-esteem may avoid challenging activities or may give up quickly when things aren't going his way. He may also be bossy, have a low level of self control, and have difficulty making friends.

Children with high self-esteem feel a sense of trust, security and feel accepted by others. They understand their own self-worth, have self control and are willing to take on challenging or difficult tasks.

To promote your child's self-esteem you can spend lots of time with him, especially in activities that he enjoys and is good at, and allow him to make some decisions, so he can learn responsibility and can feel that you trust him. Learn to praise your child and to pay positive attention to him and teach him how to accept praise for his accomplishments. Also, do not always rush to rescue your child from frustrating experiences. Instead, try and help him solve the problem himself.” (Keepkidshealthy.org, 2006)

Asset #1 — Family life provides high levels of love and support.

*Each month of the Counselor’s Corner will feature tips on building developmental assets in today’s youth. Assets are 40 key building blocks to help kids succeed. Like a dream catcher, assets are the supporting threads in a young person's life that can keep away harm and invite goodness.

If you have any questions or would like more information on the featured topic please contact Mrs. Theobold at theoboldj@ochwilla.org .

Sources include keepkidshealthy.org and the Search Institute