Self-Respect
When your child believes that they can accomplish goals on their own and are proud of their choices, they are building their sense of self-respect. Encourage them to make their bed, help set the table, and brush their teeth! Give them little jobs to build confidence, self-respect, and independence.
Children will learn to respect themselves as they become increasingly independent.
Give your child some control by allowing them to make decisions about everyday tasks, such as what clothes they want to wear, which healthy options they might like for a snack, or which seat they’d like at the table.
Let your child take the lead in more and more of their daily tasks. You’ll be amazed at what they can do!
- After brushing your child’s teeth, let them “take over” and give it a go themselves.
- Have your child choose who will do which part of group activities or projects, such as cleaning, playing make-believe, or baking.
- Ask them to pick out their own outfit for school. As their little fingers learn how to use buttons, snaps, and zippers, let them practice dressing themselves.
REMEMBER: Patience is key. If your child still can’t zip up their coat, try not to rush them! Place your hands over theirs and show them exactly how to zzzzip it right up. A little guidance at the start will result in big payoffs when your child can get dressed all by themselves!
Knowing when to ask for help is part of self-respect!
It’s important for your little one to know when and how to ask for help when they are truly stuck. Reaching out for help during tough moments is also an act of self-respect.
Patience and listening sends the message that their opinion matters and teaches them to share their needs by using their words.
- Remind your child that it’s ok to ask for help – after they’ve tried a task first.
- Encourage them to “use their words” to let you know when they are feeling stuck, confused, or frustrated – and specifically what they need help with.
- You might say, “Please tell me with words what you are having trouble with. I may be able to help.”
- At this age, they may have difficulty with this, so be patient and try to help them find the words.
- When they’ve tried multiple times and are really struggling, you can offer help by saying, “It looks like you are trying really hard to put those puzzle pieces together, but they aren’t fitting. How can I be helpful?”