Like adults, children also suffer from low self-esteem. However, their case is worse as the condition receives little attention since most people do not believe that a child can experience low self-worth. Or rather, they do not know how to detect it in their young ones.
But take this to the bank. Low self-worth is a common phenomenon in children that results from extreme life events such as negative criticism from teachers or parents, divorce and financial problems in the family and poor academic performance.
When left untreated, low self-worth in a child can result in worse repercussions such as depression, self-harm and withdrawal. Therefore, the first step to treating this condition is to familiarize yourself with its symptoms.
A child with low self-worth is primarily shy, withdrawn and needing approval from friends, making them susceptible to bullying. You are the best fit to help your child raise their self-worth since you are their confidant and go-to person.
You can hack this through the following five strategies.
Love and Support Your Child
You must provide an avenue where your child can run to warmth and comfort from the harsh world. Your child must know you love them, and they can always count on you. This will prevent them from seeking love in the outside world which can be harmful.
Portraying love to your child takes simple actions such as creating time for them in your busy schedule, correcting them with love and reassuring them of your support in every situation.
Award Them Occasionally
Awarding your child is a perfect way of showcasing your love for them. It’s nonetheless more impactful when the awarding is impromptu as it communicates love and goodwill from their most important person.
Awards can come in many forms. It can be a holiday to a destination of their choice, an iPhone, tablet, laptop or a simple dress. It doesn’t matter what you give your child as long as you do it with love.
Nonetheless, be careful not to worsen your child’s condition through your gifting. To be on the safe side, the gifting is impromptu. They don’t have to have done something to earn the gift, and they have no right to ask for it.
Equally important, take precautions when gifting your child with phones and other electronic devices. The internet is not a safe place for children; therefore, ensure to incorporate all the protective measures before handing the devices to your child. When gifting them an iPhone, for instance, make sure you know how to set up a new iPhone, and you have parental control over it.
Let Them Do Things on Their Own
Being overprotective is one of the mistakes many parents make. Although you may elude this to love, the truth is it is not loving but a quick way of destroying your child’s self-worth. Your baby must get to make mistakes and learn from them. This helps raise their confidence and self-worth.
Therefore let them have a taste of independence from a tender age. Even though you may want to know what’s happening to your baby, watch from a distance and offer guidance when needed. The idea is to let your child develop autonomy which helps raise their self-worth.
Help Them Maneuver Life
Growing up entails a lot of learning, and this may overwhelm your child. Make things easier by joining them in those activities they consider challenging to hack. Nonetheless, your presence should not mean doing the task for them but guiding them and leaving them to do it independently.
You can, for instance, illustrate how to do a given task and leave them to do it as you watch and correct where needed. Your baby having someone they trust to guide them will provide them with the confidence to do those things affecting their self-worth.
Create a Positive and Healthy Home Environment
Home is the most crucial aspect of a growing child. It is where they draw their inspiration and identity. Your love and support will mean very little if the environment your child grows up in is chaotic. Although some life issues such as divorce and separation amongst the parents are unavoidable, you must trend in a way that doesn’t interfere with your baby’s self-worth.
This entails not blaming them for the incident and loving them through the storm. No matter what happens, reassure your child of your love and support and let them know they are not the cause of the happenings. Moreover, avoid shouting at each other or hurling insults in front of your child. Also, don’t talk badly about your partner to your child. If anything, they should not know the other side of them.
Conclusion
You hold the key to your child’s self-worth. Although there may not be a solution to mitigate the harsh outside world effects on your child, your love and support are enough for them. Incorporate the above five strategies for an all-around child.