Blocks of triangles, ovals and rectangles all standing together to build a structure. Together building the creation. Not one block is an unnecessary block but an essential part of the whole construction of a life created uniquely and importantly by God. Yet when the others see a part as an oddity rather than unique, suddenly the structure can crumble.
A Square Box
Being different can be viewed as a uniqueness or oddity. Until a child is fed with knowledge of being different by external factors, they will be satisfied with who they are. It is when a child is compared to others, either by themselves or others, that they begin to be aware of differences. Over time, the child’s self-esteem can be affected as a result of being categorized as an outcast of society. Children with self-anomalies may face additional struggles with self-esteem, even more than the average child, due to obvious physical differences. Having a positive self-image and defining one’s own worth, can help counter thoughts or opinions which set them apart.
Your Circle
Each person has a uniqueness about them. As parents, one of the goals in raising children should be to build a strong, internal character of self-worth. Parents can do this in several ways. One of the easiest ways is loving the child for who they are and teaching them to love others. Praise and affirmation can go a long way in positively reinforcing a child’s self-esteem until they can sustain a belief in self-worth on their own. Frequently praising a child for their efforts and recognizing ways they’ve achieved success can increase motivation and teach them to love themselves. Parents have a key role in teaching a child how to have a good mindset and outlook on life. By teaching a child to find positiveness and successes in each day, the child learns how to have a positive mindset. This builds positive energy and a positive outlook on their world and life which they can then apply to themselves internally. Other ways a child can learn to build self-esteem is through their interaction with others. A parent can be a good example in teaching a child how to love others by doing something for them. Intrinsic benefits come from being charitable. Even something as simple as a smile or a friendly hello to someone can be contagious and change an entire interchange into a positive one. The child’s self-esteem can grow from within themselves and their interaction with the world around them.
The Triangle On Top
Parent’s also have a responsibility to teach children their human existence matters. Not only do they have worth to their parents and world, but moreover by the one who created all existence, God. By teaching religion, parents teach children value given to them beyond this world.
What about Checking the Foundation
Parents should be aware of any differences in a child’s behavior which may be a result of low self-esteem. Children with low self-esteem may be more nervous, lack motivation, or have a lack of confidence. Dive in and find out what is causing unusual behavior by asking questions. Even if a child may not be successful, their effort can be noticed and praised as something to be proud of. Acknowledge what may be bringing a child down by inviting conversation with the child asking them why they feel they may not have been as successful. Don’t try to resolve the issue or smooth it over but be a support to them. As parents there is a responsibility to have faith in the child and their ability. Encourage the child to keep trying and preserve. This teaches motivation in overcoming difficulties which will help them in future struggles. Parents can rejoice with their child in small successes by focusing on their positiveness accomplishments no matter how small. These small stepping stones are golden in building self-esteem. Over time, the child learns to commend themselves and find ways to build self-esteem on their own through self-affirmation.
The Right Stuff
Another method of building self-esteem, is through journaling. A parent can establish daily journaling as part of a child’s routine. The child can notate what they have accomplished for the day, write something positive about the day they experienced or something they did for someone, and what they are most proud of that day. This builds a habit of daily self-affirmation and grows self-esteem through realizing positive experiences.
The Windows
In older children, self-esteem can be affected by media, the internet, and more specifically through social media sites. It is important to monitor social media to gauge how it may be affecting children or young adults with regards to self-image. More information is shared online than ever before. The constant exchange of information can easily lead to social bullying, formation of negative thoughts, and jealousy. At the same time, there is plenty of positive social sharing online which can help build self-esteem in young adults. Monitoring how media is affecting your child and having open discussions about what they are being exposed to can proactively prevent low self-esteem and depression.
A Definition of Structure
The world will always see differences. Those with negative self-esteem make it their mission to tear others down because they lack a true value of self-worth of themselves. When we like ourselves, we can better accept the differences of others. There is negative unity found in destruction of those who are not accepted. This negative unity can be contagious as it is magnified and built upon to grow a militia of “popularity” versus “outcast”. Teaching your child to deal little with this and walk away is the best solution. Positiveness builds up, not divides in dishonor of humankind.
The Masterpiece
Teaching children ways of how to react to their environment in a positive way is essential to building good self-esteem. Constant affirmation and recognition of a child’s success teaches children they have worth and eventually results in the child being able to maintain good self-esteem themselves. A child is a gift, just as every human is, and realizing this and learning positive reactions to negative experiences at an early age can result lifetime of good self-image.
Look who’s talking. The Builder.
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