Would you like to help build the self-esteem of a child?

Before we can help a child we need to consider what a child with high-self esteem looks like.

Each child is unique, talented and special. But few children actually realise this about themselves. Why is this?

Because they are forever trying to be like someone else - perhaps they are trying to be like their parents, friends, peers, siblings or teachers. Some may argue its OK to aspire to being like someone else but there is always a risk that children will end up disappointed and disillusioned if they are not true to themselves. Will people value them for who they are? Will they feel constant internal turmoil of not feeling good enough? Over time will they lose sight of their uniqueness and feel disappointed by they circumstances?

Children with High Self-Esteem

Don't criticise others - they accept that criticism hurts and builds up blocks and barriers. They accept and appreciate that everybody is unique and changes from time to time. They realise that when they criticise themselves the changes are only negative ones. They know and understand when they are happy in themselves that their changes are positive ones.

Don't scare themselves - they understand and accept that fear thoughts only terrorise and frighten them. They choose to spend time enjoying and taking pleasure in the present moment.

Are patient - they realise they make mistakes and trip up from time to time but they don't see this as negative. They see mistakes as a learning process and an opportunity to discover who they really are.

Are kind - they realise that hating themselves is nothing but a negative thought pattern, which leads to hating the thoughts. They realise that they can change their thoughts and replace any negative thoughts with positive ones. The difference between the negative and positive is the difference between being unhappy and happy - and it's usually very small.

Praise themselves - they realise that criticism is self-destructive and therefore tires them. By praising themselves they begin to build inner confidence, energy and the ability to reach out and respond to others.

Support themselves - they have come to understand that they can't rely on other people but they can ask others for help. They also know that they can help others without others becoming dependent or reliant upon them.

Understand their own needs - they realise and acknowledge that they have needs and they find positive ways to fulfil these needs. By fulfilling and satisfying their own needs they don't need to use negative behaviour or to try and fill up their own needs by picking at, criticising or ignoring others.

Look after themselves - they are keen to learn about nutrition, health and exercise. They realise what is good for them and what isn't. They know what to do to make themselves feel good. They know what gives them optimum energy and happiness both short-term and long-term. They choose exercise that makes them feel good.

Take charge of their personal growth and development - they can look and see their own potential and achievements without criticism. They are willing to work on themselves and work on making any changes.

Do it now - they don't put off doing today what needs to be done. They realise the only time they have is the present. They plan as if they will live forever and live as if there is only today.

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