SELF ESTEEM
As children grow and interact with the world around them they continuously develop a sense of self through their identity, their self-esteem, and their self-concepts. Children can use their individual knowledge and beliefs about
themselves as a way to understand who they are. Their self-esteem is developed through their feelings and judgments of who they are. A well-known theorist Erik Erikson developed 8 stages of human development. In
each of the stages, Erik emphasizes how the development of self-identity can cultivate through a series of interactions and relationships with others.
To learn more about Erikson’s 8 stages of human development click on the link below.
It is important for parents, guardians, teachers, and educators to create and develop positive interactions with our children. Creating positive interactions in our classrooms and at home can promote children's development of healthy forms of self-esteem. This positive development can also lead to academic success within the classroom. It is also important to remember that every child’s sense of self identity is different. It is vital to recognize these differences and focus on their interests and strengths. Parents and guardians, I encourage you to take part in your children's interests and extra curricula activities at school and theme . Through understanding your children's interests, you can help them develop positive interactions and relationships with themselves and with people around them.
Lavoie(2002) lists some healthy tips to promote positive self-esteem in your child
1. Value each child as an individual with unique strengths, needs, interests and skills
2. Focus on the child's strengths.
3. Help your child feel special and appreciated.
4. Help the child develop decision-making and problem-solving skills.
5. Understand that mistakes are an inevitable (and valuable!) part of any learning experience.
6. Demonstrate a genuine interest in her activities, hobbies, and etc..
7 .Look for opportunities to offer him choices to allow him to practice decision-making skills.
8. Avoid comments that are judgmental and instead, frame them in more positive terms. For example instead of saying "Try harder and put in more of an effort" replace it with "We have to figure out better strategies to help you learn." This focuses on their positives traits rather than the negatives traits (2002, Lavoie)
.Try this activity with your child!
Creative Writing Activity (Kidsplay and create, 2013)
Materials: Paper, pens/pencils, markers/crayons
Important note:
*Creative writing is a great way for children to express themselves. Creative writing can be done with children as young as 6 years old. For younger children concentrate less on the writing and more on drawing a picture that goes with the topic. Children are great with expressing themselves through art.
* How do you get kids to want to write without complaining? Give them fun topics from which they will learn about themselves while writing. Have them draw a picture or a collage to go with their essay.
Directions
1 .Find a quiet calm environment for your child.
2. Pick one of the topics from the list below.
3. Have your child write down some sentences or an essay of how the topic makes them feel.
4. Have them draw a picture to go with their sentences or essay.
Examples of Topics Choose Rrom
1. I Am Special Because...
2. What do I want to be when I grow up and why?
3. If I was a super hero what kind of super hero would I be and what powers would I have (This can also be done using villains)?
4. If I could make something disappear in my life what would it be and why?.
5. What ways do I help my family. Have children write about the ways they help their families (i.e. chores, help mommy cook etc…).
6. How can I be a better friend? Have children write about things they can do to be a nicer, kinder friend.
7. What do you think about bullies and why?
8. Why is it important to be honest and not lie?
9. Did you ever hurt someone’s feelings? Explain what happened, how it made you feel.
10. Did someone ever hurt your feelings? How did it made you feel? Did you talk to that person about it?
Watch this video with your children to show them ways
of being positive within themselves!
References
http://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/self-esteem-character-building-activities-for-kids/ (Creative writing activity)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylNmkuLr6SE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJW9bEfyiCo
http://www.support4change.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=108
http://www.ricklavoie.com/esteemart.html
http://www.kidsplayandcreate.com/self-esteem-character-building-activities-for-kids/ (Creative writing activity)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ylNmkuLr6SE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJW9bEfyiCo
http://www.support4change.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=47&Itemid=108
http://www.ricklavoie.com/esteemart.html