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by Rhonda Nieman

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Parenting tips for raising children with high self-esteem

What is self-esteem exactly? Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary describes it as such; a confidence and satisfaction in oneself. There it is; plain and simple, right? Maybe not so simple however when it will affect your children. When it comes to your children you don't get a second chance to do it right or better, you have to do your best one hundred percent of the time.

When your children were younger did they bring you every little drawing they ever did? Did you place them lovingly on the refrigerator for everyone to see? Did you praise your child or brag on their amazing artistic ability? If you did any or all of these things then you were helping to build their self-esteem. The best thing that you could have done was exactly those things that I described above. Can you imagine how the little tyke would have felt if you had tossed it in a drawer or made fun of them because it didn't look like any dog you'd ever seen before?

The best thing to keep in mind is that your children, no matter what their age, are always looking for a reaction from you. They thrive on your attention and praise. Throughout their lives they will need that from you like a plant needs water to grow. It is the one thing that should be constant in your relationship with your child.

I grew up in a house that didn't have much of that, so I know first hand what it feels like to not be noticed or appreciated. It's a big world out there and you don't want your children to feel as alone as they would if they didn't feel important to someone. You as their parent will always be counted on to give them this attention and recognition, and it should come as naturally as breathing to you.

Of all the things that we do for our children, this is the one thing that they should be able to count on. It doesn't have to be a grand display of affection, just acknowledgment that they are somebody and that you are proud of them, no matter what. If your child looks at you and smiles, then smile back. If your child finishes in last place in the spelling bee, congratulate them on getting to where they did, and doing their best, and let them know that you mean it. Every chance you get, give them a piece of your heart, that's what they will rely on when they finally start making their way in the world.

It doesn't take any effort to sit down and listen if your child wants to read you a story that they wrote, or tell you about something that excites them. Those dishes can wait, supper could be a few minutes late, the bills won't get any higher if you wait a few minutes to pay them. When you show your child that you care simply by giving them an ear to listen and the chance to blow your mind with their thoughts, then you will build their self-esteem. If you give your child the confidence to be comfortable with themselves by doing these things, then you have helped to build their self-esteem.

We all want our children to be the best that they can be; why not give them a head start by showing them that we care. Not just with the big accomplishments, but with all of the smaller ones too. When you show them that you care, then you give them the confidence to be themselves and the satisfaction in knowing that they mean something to someone. Wow, confidence and satisfaction in themselves; you have given them self-esteem.

Learn more about this author, Rhonda Nieman.

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