SELF-ESTEEM AND SELF-WORTH

Self-esteem refers to the value a person ascribes to himself and his behavior. Children are capable of making a fairly accurate evaluation of themselves based on the comments and opinions they have heard from others. Even here, parents play a major role. You should continue to let your child know that you are concerned about him and that you love him. Don’t comment about the inherited negative qualities of the child because there is nothing that anybody can do about them. Try to identify the hidden or known assets of your child and make him aware of his talents. It is possible that outside the home-at school, on the playground or in a group of his friends he may or may not get positive and happy comments about his assets. Comments could even be negative. The powerful reassurance and sense of belonging which the child gets at home can compensate for the rough treatment that he may get away from home. Eventually children realize that nobody is perfect, but they still need to be reassured about themselves.