P.A.R.E.N.T.I.N.G. - Strategies for Building Self-Esteem in Your Children - Peel Public Health

Positive Parenting

You can help your children learn how to enjoy good times and cope with their down times in healthy ways. You are your child's most important role model.
Tips on Positive Parenting

Children who have their feelings accepted and who receive comfort and support to express them, are more able to handle unhappy times and let them go.
Tips on Accepting Feelings

Remember the saying "treat others in a way that you yourself want to be treated". Showing respect builds trust and respect.
Tips on Respect

All people feel better and do better when they feel supported by those close to them.
Encouragement helps build self-confidence and the desire to participate fully in life.
It's easy to be encouraging when children are helpful or doing well.
They also need encouragement during periods between accomplishments.
Even when they make mistakes or misbehave, encouragement helps them learn from the situation and grow.
A misbehaving child is often a discouraged child. Finding encouraging words when your child is going through difficult times can do much to heal a bruised self-esteem:
- You do a good job in...
- Let's do this together.
- That didn't work. What else can you try?
Tips on Being an Encouraging Parent

Parenting is a most important role and demanding too - but you're a person first.
To build your child's self-esteem, it's important to feel good about yourself and let go of certain demands - like perfection! This makes you a positive role model for your child too.
Tips on Meeting Your Needs Too

To build self-esteem, it's actually the listening that comes first - this may be one of the reasons we all have two ears and only one mouth!
However, the words you choose when you speak to your child also leave lasting impressions.
Tips on Talking... Listening...

Independence is tied to trust.
It requires a combination of courage to let your children try new things, and faith that you have taught your values well - it's a frightening, but rewarding process.
Just like adults, children need opportunities to "stretch" themselves and figure out their own values and beliefs. Some of those beliefs will be different from yours.
Gradually children develop the skills necessary for making decisions that are wise for them.
Tips on Promoting Independence

Being a nurturing parent is not giving your children everything they want, or protecting them from experiencing difficulties in life. Pampering and over-protection lead to unhealthy self-esteem.
Setting limits that are appropriate to your child's age and development gives him a sense of security and personal safety.
Nurturing includes love, understanding, encouragement and respect. Parents nurture through encouraging words, caring actions, and loving touch - hugs, cuddles, back rubs and foot massages.
6 Nurturing Messages to Give Your Children