Perception, for adults and children alike, can be the difference between high self-worth and knowing your value. It’s paramount that as kids grow up, they have a true understanding of their self-worth. This not only helps them in their friendships and other relationships but also shapes their identity. Shakespeare once said, “To thine own self be true,” and when children know themselves, they’re able to truly thrive.

Beliefs like, “I am good at math” and “I excel in sports” help shape how kids see themselves in the world. These ideas, whether positive or negative, influence how children relate and respond to others and how they act. Self belief, when formed as a child, can lead to major life decisions much later down the road, so it’s important to nurture your kiddo’s sense of self.

A child’s underlying belief system is shaped by three main factors:

• Achievement outcomes – How well they do in school, whether they’re winning that volleyball game, if they get the lead in the school play, etc.
• Non-cognitive skills – This means social-emotional skills, like self-control, sociability and learning how to get along with others, and managing emotions.
• Support from loved ones – Whether perceived or not, making sure your kids know that they have your support is key to their emotional growth.

Encouraging a child’s need to express themselves provides them with a cognitive advantage during the important period of adolescence. Art is a great way to express what they’re feeling, whether it’s writing, visual art, theater, music, dance, or any other artistic medium. Indulging their creativity builds trust and confidence in themselves. Remind them, when trying something new, the first step to being great is making mistakes and learning from them. Nothing has to be perfect, especially when it’s a new hobby or venture.

When parents nurture their kid’s self-esteem, it helps them build their own self-respect. Encouraging them to believe in themselves may seem relatively easy, but what’s important is how you do it and how often you do it (hint: do it often). Be interested in your child’s interests, even if they’re not your interests. If you make an effort to learn about their passions, they’ll recognize it and feel encouraged, even if you’re not an expert at whatever it is they love. Be aware of how you react to their hobbies. Again, it may not be your thing, but it’s their thing, and that’s what matters. If they run into road blocks, encourage them to face those challenges head-on. Overcoming obstacles will give them the confidence they need to succeed later in life.

Lastly, be your own biggest cheerleader. Acting as a positive role model, being yourself, and not dimming your own light will help your kids not diminish their own. Love yourself, celebrate differences, and embrace your own mistakes. Modeling your own self-acceptance demonstrates an achievable goal to build on our children’s ability to value themselves.

Sources

Prepared Parents, Celebrate Small Wins to Motivate Kids. – ABA Star Therapy, Celebrating Progress, Not Perfection: Finding Joy in Small Wins. – Harvard Summer School, Why Celebrating Small Wins Matters. – Integrated Counseling and Wellness, Why You Should Celebrate Small Wins. – Feel Happy Counseling, The Importance of Small Wins: Celebrating Progress Over Perfection.