This title has 19 articles. Click here to see all the articles rated and ranked by Helium members.

13 of 19

by Lara Everett

Rating:

Parenting was something that I think we all decided was easier than it looked. Before I had my daughter I had her whole life planned out. Well she's only 19 months old and I can already tell you that none of my plans worked out very well for either of us. It's an on going learning experience.

Every child is unique in the developmental portions of their lives; while they should be on a particular track, it is up to you as the parent to not discourage them by being worried if they are a few months or for some parents weeks behind.

My daughter is very smart, she understands things, I don't think very many children do. For instance, I will tell her repeatedly to put something away. She'll give me a blank stare as if to say, "I don't know what you're trying to say Mommy." Then I will say "Bella, please put it away." Surprisingly she will.

Our children need to be nurtured by us, but at the same time they learn from example. When teaching your child how to talk, you teach them by talking to them, as if they understand you. Or when they first start babbling you attempt to catch at least one word, to not only understand what they are saying but also to improve their speech upon that particular word.

So when trying to teach your child to have high self-esteem it is imperative that you not only praise them for the smallest accomplishments, but to also exude the high self-esteem for yourself as well.

My mom would say "yuck" every single time ANYONE said she was beautiful. Well I'm 25 now and I still catch myself doing that. Or saying "Oh yes" but never "thank you."

What you show your child about how you feel about yourself, will be a huge factor in how they feel about themselves. So remember, if they learn swear words because you have used them once or twice, when stubbing your toe, or about to run someone over. Than they will learn how to have no confidence in themselves, if you don't have any for yourself.

To be a person who can love completely, you must first learn how to love yourself. After you learn that important lesson in life, then maybe you can teach your child what exactly self-esteem is supposed to mean.

Learn more about this author, Lara Everett.

Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Parenting tips for raising children with high self-esteen

1 of 19
by Robin Tidwell

All of us are born with a healthy awareness of self; babies have a certain self-centeredness which is necessary for s... read more
2 of 19
by Randa Morris

Tips for Raising Children with High Self Esteem I have worked with children, in various settings, for over 10 year... read more
3 of 19
by Rachelle de Bretagne

As a child, I was ridiculed for being different. I grew up wondering what I had done wrong to become this freak that ... read more
4 of 19
by Kim Sharpe

The most important thing that we can do as parents is to provide our children with every tool that they need to succe... read more
5 of 19
by Alan Fernald

Two basic rules that all parents must remember are: Rule #1: Children are people too! Rule #2: Children are NOT... read more