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Children are truly one of life's most precious gifts, and therefore, they deserve to have a positive opinion of themselves. However, for one reason or another, high self-esteem does not always come naturally for some children. Therefore, it is our responsibility as parents to build self-esteem in them, and to help them realize that they are miraculous, unique, and dynamic beings. Fortunately, raising a child's level of self-esteem is not a difficult task, and there are many wonderful ways through which it can be accomplished.

The following are several tips for building self-esteem in children:

~ Praise them often.

Children thrive when they are praised for their accomplishments, both big and small, by their parents. Whether you are praising your child for reaching a new milestone, or simply because he or she drew a lovely picture, the praise that you offer will go a long way toward ensuring that your child has a positive self-image.

~ Show and speak your love freely.

All individuals can attest to the fact that when we know we are loved by another person, it is nearly impossible not to feel good about ourselves. This is especially true as far as children are concerned. Children who are shown and told that they are loved on a regular basis naturally have higher levels of self-esteem and self-worth. They are well-aware that they are loved, and they realize that their parent's love is unconditional and ever-lasting.

~ Do not expect perfection.

Many parents unrealistically expect their children to be perfect, and they are particularly hard on them when they make a mistake, or when they do not live up to the unattainable standards that the parents have set for them. It is essential to realize that no one is, or ever will be, perfect. Making mistakes is a natural part of life, and one of the main ways through which we grow as human beings. Therefore, it is of vital importance that you teach your children that mistakes are not "bad", but simply an opportunity to learn. If children believe that they must be perfect, then they will inevitably fall short of perfection, and their self-esteem will suffer as a result.

~ Appreciate their unique qualities.

Every child is different and unique, and they all possess certain qualities that set them apart from others. Therefore, as parents, we should celebrate each child's distinct personality traits, talents, abilities, and even their quirks. It is neither necessary nor beneficial to criticize a child because

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