Self Esteem

Mary Etta Tubbs, F.L.E.

Self-Esteem

“Children are born with 100% self-esteem but as they grow older their experiences whittle away at the self-esteem. The resulting level could have a devastating affect on their behavior and their ability to learn” (Hanoch McCarty). Here are some tips for parents with children with and without disabilities:

• Accept children as they are. They need unconditional love and acceptance to gain self-assurance. This doesn’t mean parents should not discipline children, but make it clear that it is the behavior that is unacceptable, not the person.

• Praise children. Praise cannot start too young. Children praised for what they do well and for doing what’s expected of them soon develop confidence in their own ability to act independently.

• Provide stimulating experiences for children. As children express an interest in something in particular, encourage their interest by talking and reading together.

• Teach children to set goals for themselves. Start small, and celebrate each success. Children who experience success are more likely to be successful.

• Display good work, or good progress. Showing you are proud will give children a sense of pride as well.

• Emphasize intrinsic rather than extrinsic rewards. Rather than offering a candy bar for completing homework or a dollar for every A, try to motivate children with gifts of time or involvement.

Source: National Council on Self-Esteem

*Tri-County Independent Living Center of Utah provides programs and services to “Enhance Independence in People with Disabilities”. For more information, contact Tri-County ILC at 612-3215 or 458-3263.*