Healthy Self Esteem
It is important for your child to feel like they belong. Without a sense of belonging, a child may feel rejected or lonely, which can lead to a lowered self-esteem. Feeling as if they belong is especially important within a family unit. Always be sure to include your children, whether in activities or conversations. Ask them to help you prepare dinner or chat with them about their day on the way home from school or extracurricular activities. Encourage them to join other groups as well. Pursuing subjects or activities they enjoy will not only increase their sense of belonging, but will also give them a sense of purpose.
Joining a club, sport, or other extracurricular activity will help your child with their self-esteem in multiple ways. It will give them another group they feel they belong in and give them a sense of purpose by encouraging them to have achievable goals and an avenue to channel their energy and time into. Your child will never feel bored or lacking in a sense of purpose if you encourage them to pursue their interests. Pursuing their interests will give them a sense of direction.
Another great way to boost your child’s self-esteem is for them to help you around the house. Giving them a task to do, whether small, large, daily, or weekly will help your child to feel like they are contributing to the household and will have them feeling responsible of their achievements, no matter the size. It is another way of feeling they belong at home when they see other family members helping around the house.
Having a healthy self-esteem is very important for children as they get older. You want them to feel as if they belong and have fun activities they can put their time and energy towards. Having a healthy self-esteem will help their overall outlook.