Your Childs Self-Esteem Depends On What You Say

A child's self-esteem can be nurtured from a very early age.

Children have no fear or doubts until adults instill them into them by telling them to "be careful," "Don't climb that tree, you might fall down," "Don't walk along that wall you might slip off" These instructions are given for their protection and, of course, to keep them safe.

However often it's the parents who are fearful and not the child, and if not for the words of warning the child would have been fine!

From a very early age children become wary about what they are doing. Along with the cautions, they also need congratulations.

Not only for big achievements, but also for the smaller ones, which whilst might not seem important to an adult, are a sense of achievement for the child. From brushing the teeth without being told, being quiet when asked, saying please and thank you, to getting out of bed when called, all little things that are taken for granted by parents, but when you praise your child's behavior it will help him as he grows.

All children and adults alike thrive on praise. A compliment, or encouraging word will boost your child's self-esteem no end, and is sure to instill confidence in him/her and help him to strive harder to please.

When a child isn't praised he may feel dejected, or that nothing he ever does is right, when often this is not the case, but because he has not been told that he has done well, he doesn't realize it. How can he know if no one has told him? How can he build up his confidence and self esteem unless he is given encouragement throughout his life.

You may find that he wont try to do anything because nobody ever comments on how he's done. He may become unmotivated, and this can lead to boredom and all sorts of behavioral problems as he grows into adulthood.

Some parents are quick to correct their little ones for doing something wrong and yet fail to say well done when they do things right.

Children love to please, and they will blossom and grow into healthy confident young adults when they are shown love, tempered not only with correction for things they may do wrong, but praise and acknowledgment when they have been successful at what they do.