How Can I Build My Child’s Self Esteem?
If you listened you heard that…only I could forget the rest of “sticks and stones will break your bones but…” I had a complete brain block at that moment!! Well, I hope you laughed with me, but if you laughed AT me, at least we both got a laugh 🙂
One way you can help build your child’s self-esteem: speak words that build up and not tear down. We can help build the self-esteem of our children by focusing more on their strengths and accomplishments rather than their short comings.
A child’s self-esteem is often built on what those close to them say about them, so we can make a huge impact in our kid’s lives if we praise them and encourage the positive decisions they make. And when they fail and make mistakes, speak words like: I know you can do better! Let them know that you believe in them.
It’s so important that moms build up and not tear down our kids.
For instance; I just cringe when I hear parents call their child stupid or dumb, it’s heartbreaking and flat out cruel. Yes, they will do stupid things… so will we…but let’s separate those actions from who they are as a person.
When a parent tells a child they are stupid or even “bad,” it tears down the very core of who they are. Let’s not let their mistakes become part of their identity. I sure don’t want to be defined by the many times I’ve fallen, instead I want to be encouraged to pick myself up and do better next time.
Instead we can say something like: That was not the best decision to make, but YOU are smart. I’m sure you’ll do better next time.
And, isn’t that what we want too?
So, think about the words we speak to our kids…speak words of encouragement and praise.
Real moms can build their kid’s self-esteem by building them up, not tearing them down.
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
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