Fostering confidence and a sense of self worth in children

DON’T:

• Call children names or label them with derogatory words. Your children do not like this any more than you would.
• Use sarcasm.
• Talk about your children within their earshot. Even if the story is cute, they might find it embarrassing.
• Give compliments with riders. For instance, "You did this well but…" or "Fine, now if you would only…"
• Compare your child to other children.
• Do things for your children that they can do for themselves.

DO:

• Identify the behavior as unacceptable rather than the child as unacceptable.
• Smile at and hug your children. This is important for children of all ages.  
• Cherish and protect your child's individuality.
• Treat them how you would like to be treated in all ways. 
• Let children answer some of their own questions.
• Laugh with your children. 
• Surprise them from time to time by doing something unexpected and fun! 
• Help them to trust and love themselves on the inside and on the outside.    You can help them achieve this by loving and respecting yourself.
• Spend time with your children and let them see that you enjoy being with   them.
• Remember that the foundation of a child’s true self-esteem is their innate   sense of being loved and accepted exactly as they are, warts and all.

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