Helping Children to Develop Self-Esteem

Page 6

There are many ways that an early childhood educator can help children to develop self-esteem. Some ideas are:

Be a positive role model
Don’t be too hard on yourself or speak ill of yourself. Children will mirror what they see.

Identify and redirect negative remarks
If a child speaks ill of themselves, it is important to identify this and to redirect their negativity about themselves to a more realistic and positive standard.

Give positive feedback 
Instead of saying “You get so frustrated and lose your temper!” try instead, “I know that you are upset, but it was very responsible of you to talk about your feelings instead of yelling.”

Create a safe environment
Children who don’t feel safe are at greatest risk for low and unhealthy self-esteem. This may be due to the lack of the feeling of control that they have in their lives. Creating a safe environment gives children a sense of relief and control and allows them to build their confidence.

Respect their opinions
Showing children that their opinions are valued and respected helps support their self-esteem and build their confidence.

Value the children in your care
Caregivers who verbally express positive respect and recognition to the children in their care create a warm and welcoming environment.  

Optional Resource for Further Study

• ​Self-esteem for children, The Women's and Children's Health Network
• Fifty Things You Can Say to Praise and Encourage Children
• Self-esteem: How to Help Children & Teens Develop a Positive Self-image, Child Development Institute
  
• Me, My Family and Friends curriculum activities, Gayle's  Preschool  Rainbow​

Course Navigation Menu

​1. Course Agenda
2. Supporting Self-Esteem
3. Building A Child's Self-Esteem
4. Nurture a Child’s Self-Concept 
5. Supporting Self-Esteem (1/3) 
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6. Helping Children
7. Low Self-Esteem
8. High Self-Esteem
9. Biased Expectations
10. Helping Children Build Self-Esteem
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​11. Activities to Promote Self-Esteem
12. Researching DAP Books
13. DAP Books (2/3)
14. End of Course Quiz (3/3)
15. Course Evaluation Form​
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