3 Tips to Boost Self-Esteem in Today's Youth
One of the more disheartening comments a parent or teacher is apt
to hear from a child is "I can't" or "it's too hard." These comments
often hint at insecurities or low self-esteem. There may be a myriad of
reasons why a child lacks confidence; sometimes it's merely a matter of
development and may come with age. Yet it's important to nurture
children's self-esteem so that they can grow and thrive with a positive
state of mind intact and ready to tackle future challenges in school and
life. The following tips can help educators or childcare workers find
ways to promote students to feel better about themselves and what they
can accomplish.
Acknowledgment
In order to acknowledge and praise a child's good behavior, the surrounding adults have to first be in tune with what is happening with that child and notice it. It's easy to notice the negative behaviors, but it's the positive behaviors and their acknowledgement that can boost a kid's self-esteem--when they are acknowledged! When you see a child do something well, be sure to congratulate the child privately, publicly, or maybe even both. Kids will feel special when you make a special point to speak with them in private about their positive actions, but it is also gratifying for them to be recognized for something special in front of their peers.
Foster Independence
Kids that get down on themselves and believe they lack the ability to accomplish things often just require a bit of proof that, indeed, they can do it and can master skills and tasks like other children. In order for that to happen, they need to be presented with age-appropriate tasks and challenges that they can independently surmount. If they can't do something themselves, they'll know it and the self-esteem boost might be compromised. If they can accomplish something they set out to on their own, they will experience a jolt of confidence. With enough of these proofs in their ability, their self-esteem is apt to grow.
Communicate With--Not At
When instructors or caregivers engage in a give and take conversation with a child, they learn instinctively that they are worthy of such a level of communication. In their own eyes, they grow to become worthy of such conversations. Yet when a child is talked at, they remain more of an object even to themselves because that's how they've been treated--one of the students--one of the anonymous students that doesn't necessarily stand out one way or another. Make each student feel valuable simply by encouraging their input and sharing with them in meaningful ways that promote a two-way dialogue.
These are some simple yet very effective tips for encouraging self-esteem and confidence in kids. Adults can have such immense impact on children's mental development; be sure to take steps to make sure that impact is positive. In fact, that may be the most important part of entering an occupation caring for children--to make that emotional difference in their lives.
Acknowledgment
In order to acknowledge and praise a child's good behavior, the surrounding adults have to first be in tune with what is happening with that child and notice it. It's easy to notice the negative behaviors, but it's the positive behaviors and their acknowledgement that can boost a kid's self-esteem--when they are acknowledged! When you see a child do something well, be sure to congratulate the child privately, publicly, or maybe even both. Kids will feel special when you make a special point to speak with them in private about their positive actions, but it is also gratifying for them to be recognized for something special in front of their peers.
Foster Independence
Kids that get down on themselves and believe they lack the ability to accomplish things often just require a bit of proof that, indeed, they can do it and can master skills and tasks like other children. In order for that to happen, they need to be presented with age-appropriate tasks and challenges that they can independently surmount. If they can't do something themselves, they'll know it and the self-esteem boost might be compromised. If they can accomplish something they set out to on their own, they will experience a jolt of confidence. With enough of these proofs in their ability, their self-esteem is apt to grow.
Communicate With--Not At
When instructors or caregivers engage in a give and take conversation with a child, they learn instinctively that they are worthy of such a level of communication. In their own eyes, they grow to become worthy of such conversations. Yet when a child is talked at, they remain more of an object even to themselves because that's how they've been treated--one of the students--one of the anonymous students that doesn't necessarily stand out one way or another. Make each student feel valuable simply by encouraging their input and sharing with them in meaningful ways that promote a two-way dialogue.
These are some simple yet very effective tips for encouraging self-esteem and confidence in kids. Adults can have such immense impact on children's mental development; be sure to take steps to make sure that impact is positive. In fact, that may be the most important part of entering an occupation caring for children--to make that emotional difference in their lives.
Ian J. Humphrey is an international motivational speaker, author and youth mentor. Find out more about him at http://www.beianspired.com or call him at 720.857.4026
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Ian_Humphrey/822470
Comments
Post a Comment
thank you