Statistics indicate that a child hears nine negative words for every positive word. PC your child. Praise and correct your child. Here’s an example, “Wow! Kailey, you look beautiful today. But if you don’t put down that hairbrush, you’ll miss the bus.” It’s easy for parents to fall into a pattern of nagging or getting caught up in the moment and make a quick correction to their child, however, praising your child and being positive will help your child’s self-esteem flourish.
Police officers have an uncanny ability to stay calm, despite having to manage stressful situations. Officers stopping speeding motorists don’t scream, “What were you thinking? How many times do I have to tell you that this is not okay?” It’s more like this, “License and registration please. Do you realize you were doing 75 in a 55 speed zone? Here are your license and registration and a summons for you to appear in court. Have a nice day!” The officer remains unflappable, yet the message is clear that there are consequences to pay for breaking the law. Next time your child breaks a rule, try to remain calm. Don’t get caught in the moment and lose your cool. Be positive, make the correction and give an appropriate punishment that fits the crime.
Another way to shape your child’s self-esteem is to have the child become more than a goal setter, but a goal getter. By teaching your child five simple concepts, goals can be accomplished. Child psychologist and Junction City, Ore., school superintendent Kathleen Rodden-Nord says that when setting goals for children, parents should make the goals SMART, ‘Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented and Time-line specific.” You can do that by helping the child to develop a list of short-term dreams, or tasks and then writing each one on separate sheets of paper.christian therapist
Establish a target date for each goal. “Setting dates for accomplishment creates a sense of urgency and should increase your child’s motivation,” clarifies Rodden-Nord. “Have your child write what needs to be done to accomplish the goal and list any obstacles that may arise along the way. If your child identifies what challenges that can be expected, the child can be more efficient in achieving the goal by the completion date. Post the goal sheets in a prominent location for all of the family to see, like on the bedroom door or the refrigerator. Then, as your child achieves each goal, have him place a mark or gold star by the goal as a reward.”
Have your child visualize accomplishing their goals. Whether they’re scoring the winning soccer goal, making a perfect pass or achieving an ‘A’ on the next exam at school. Visualization can be done as they fall asleep at night, prior to taking the soccer field or the moment before they begin their test. All your child needs is a great imagination. Turn off the TV and turn on your child’s TV in their mind. Have your child picture success. Each visualized success should incorporate their five senses to make the event feel real. By visualizing success, children will internalize positive thoughts that will counteract the negativity that they hear and see on a daily basis, thereby boosting their self-esteem.
Habits you train are habits you gain. Instilling good habits in children encourages them to be self-disciplined while providing an environment that fosters self-esteem. By following these simple and proven steps, good habits can become routine. These new habits can give your child the tools to overcome the challenges that children face.