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December 2006
Counselor’s Corner
Most parents are aware that
children with healthy self-esteem make
friends easily, do well in school and
generally have good behavior. Here are some
tips for helping to develop a healthy
self-esteem in your child.
- Help your children feel special
and appreciated by spending one-on-one
time with them each week. Let your
child know when this time will be so
they can look forward to it. Refrain
from answering the phone or other
distractions during your special time.
Focus on doing things the child enjoys.
Your child strength’s will shine, and
you will have an opportunity to point
them out. This can become a very
relaxing ritual for you and your child.
- Allow your child to solve
problems and make decisions. High
self-esteem is associated with problem
solving skills. Rather than always
giving advice, ask your child what they
are going to do about the problem.
Encourage them to brainstorm ideas,
weigh consequences, and choose the best
option.
- Avoid comments that are
judgmental. Refrain from saying,
“You just need to study harder!”
Instead, say, “Are you pleased with your
grade? What do you think you need to do
to improve it?”
- Provide opportunities for
children to help others. Perhaps
they could tutor or read to a younger
child. Becoming involved in a charity or
community service can boost one’s
self-esteem and help them to realize
their strengths.
- Remind your child that everyone
has strengths and weaknesses. At
EIS, we teach the eight types of
intelligence. Ask your child what types
of intelligence they think they have
naturally, and what types would take
more effort for them to be successful.
Self-acceptance, including our
weaknesses, can be modeled by adults.
With a cheerful attitude, tell your
children what your strengths and talents
are, as well as your problem areas! You
are your child’s hero. If a hero isn’t
perfect-they don’t have to be either!
Melanie Heil
Counselor
Counselor's Corner
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