Some children may be overly sensitive and not do well in an environment where there are other kids with aggressive tendencies. Ever notice how there is a child bully that picks a kid and mocks him, makes fun of or even physically toys with him? These things can seriously handicap a child's self-esteem and confidence.
Other things that might adversely affect your child's confidence and esteem is problems at school. Usually, kids have problems with math, reading and gym lessons. Not performing as good as the other kids hampers their self-image.
First of all, if the problem is getting more serious and you don't how to help a child with low self-esteem, you will have to take your kid for a talk with a professional psychologist specializing in children psychotherapy.
If the problem is not so serious, then you need to take control of the issue. As a parent you are the largest support a child has in this world. You can empower your child with words and actions and instill confidence and trust within the child and deal with the low self-esteem in children issue.
Show your child its inner greatness. Tell the child that it is special, that you love it, that it is OK not to be good at something because it has other special talents. And while we are talking about that, help your child find a hidden talent or passion and work on enlarging it. By doing something the child loves, it will grow bolder and have more faith in itself. This is the beginning path to gaining confidence and self-esteem.
When your child has emotional problems like a lack of confidence and self-esteem, you may have noticed that your child closes down and doesn't wish to communicate. First, this doesn't mean that your child is fine or doesn't want your advice. They do, they just can't express themselves in such a vulnerable way. So you need to initiate the conversation.
Remember that your child wants to hear positive, empowering words. Tell the child all the good and strength you see in it even when the child tells you that you are embarrassing it. And speak in its language - use teenage language and jokes!
1. When your child is open and willing to talk go directly to the point: ask the child what is hard and difficult in its life. Go to the source of the potential or existing problems by focusing on what is important in the discussion. So topics for you: sex, dating, being (un)liked/(un)loved, being bad at something, being ridiculed, being lonely/not having friends etc.
2. Make a day in the week your traditional lunch-out date with your kid, where you will be like friends having fun and talking about stuff.
3. Ask if you can attend its athletic or other group activities. Observe how you child interacts around others and see if you can give any pointers later. Just make sure parents are allowed and OK at these events.
4. Initiate conversation over a movie. It helps talk about "stuff" when the kid concentrates on a movie and popcorn.
5. Ask for its opinion on various matters.
Many children go through rough emotional periods without their parents knowing about it. If you are a parent and suspect that your child is going through some psychological issues, please read through this list. If your child exhibits some of these symptoms then it might be suffering from low-confidence and self-esteem:
1. Holds its head down.
2. Doesn't make eye contact when talking.
3. Talks very quietly.
4. Has difficulty in accepting compliments, it always expects criticism or ridicule.
5. Likes teasing and name-calling others.
6. Avoids physical contact.
7. Has emotional outbursts or "acts out" in melodramatic ways.
8. Is always apologizing.
9. Speaks loudly and aggressively and is rude.
If you notice any of these signs, talk to your child and fight together.
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