Self-Esteem
Children love when others cheer them on! Not only does this make them happy and motivate them to keep going, but also helps to build their self-esteem. Since your child is still so young, your praise and encouragement are so important for their sense of self-worth. Celebrate their effort to show your child that they should be proud, confident, and happy when they try to complete tasks on their own. As they build greater self-esteem, they are also growing their confidence to try new, more challenging tasks!
Recognize and praise effort!
This teaches them that they are capable! Encourage them to work through tasks independently – even when they get frustrated or ask you for help. Let them struggle a little bit before offering to help and communicate your confidence in their abilities! Click through the following tips to learn more:
Watching you give yourself a pep-talk during difficult activities shows your child how they can believe in themselves (and keep going!) even when it isn’t easy.
- Say things like, “you can do it,” “you’ve done this before, you can do it again,” and “you’re so brave!”
- When your child hears you using positive self-talk, they’ll be more likely to use it on their own when they face difficult tasks in the future.
Instead of “nice job,” try saying “good job listening to me when I told you to stop throwing your food.” Specific praise helps children understand what behavior you are pleased with and proud of.
- After they stack up a tall tower of blocks without any help, say, “Wow, look what you just built! You put each block on the tower so carefully!”
- Remember, you don’t have to praise every little move they make. Praising your child too often will actually make it less meaningful for your child in the long run.
Celebrate times when they put in effort or accomplish everyday activities to boost their self-esteem.
- High-five your child when they accurately point to pictures after you name them.
- When they sort toys that are either the same color or size, do a celebratory dance.
- When they try to follow your instructions, tell them how proud you are of them.
As your child begins to realize that they can accomplish small goals on their own, they’ll become more confident trying newer – and harder! – tasks.
Give them time to explore without your help.
Your little one is just starting to learn about what they can and can’t yet do. Start with small, age-appropriate activities that they can work on in a comfortable, safe place.
- Have them practice imitating your behavior.
- Let them try climbing up and down from a step-stool.
- Give them a crayon or marker and let them scribble.
- Have them search for a “missing” toy that is hidden under blankets or pillows.
Remember…no one is perfect.
Support your child when things don’t work out or when they make mistakes. It’s unrealistic to believe that your little one will do everything correctly on their first try. Take it slow. Encourage them to explore to help them enjoy the process of learning how to do new things!