How to help your child build self-esteem
Peer reviewed by Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, FRCGPLast updated by Gillian HarveyLast updated 27 Feb 2020
- DownloadDownload
- Share
As parents, it's natural to want to help our children thrive. And one thing we're all aware of is the importance of having healthy self-esteem to help them face the ups and downs of childhood more comfortably.
In this article:
Sadly, there's no straightforward way to build self-esteem. Each child is different and will have their own specific needs. "We're all born with a certain temperament, and some of us are more naturally susceptible to low self-esteem or mental health problems than others," explains Dr Sharie Coombes, Child Psychologist at Foundations Therapy. "But there are things we can do to nudge children in the right direction."
Continue reading below
Praising when it's due
It's natural to want to praise our children's efforts - especially if we're trying to boost their confidence. But praising each and every thing they do may actually have the opposite effect. "If we rave about something but the child doesn't feel they've put much effort in it can be confusing for them," explains Coombes. "This could see them expecting praise for very little effort in the real world, which could actually impair their self-esteem and confidence in the long run."
Instead, Coombes recommends asking children questions about their drawing or other achievement and commenting on positive aspects.
Encouraging a healthy outlook
We all want our children to reach their full potential. But that doesn't mean they can or should excel in every subject or life skill. "In order to be happy, we need to feel 'good enough' most of the time," explains Coombes. "Sometimes in modern society it can seem that we're trying to make children think they have to be good at everything - and it's just not possible.
"That's not to say we shouldn't strive to excel in things, but always looking to better any skill can lead to children feeling as if they're always falling short."
Continue reading below
Giving them evidence
Every child comes with their own unique skills and traits - but they might not be able to see their value. So when you notice your child doing something great, take the time to say so. "Every now and then throw them by saying 'I really like the way you did that just then'," advises Coombes. "You're helping them to see evidence rather than simply telling them they're great." Commenting on a range of behaviours rather than focusing on just one area will also help children to realise the value of different actions and aspects of their character.
When it comes to commenting on looks, it's important to strike the right balance. Whilst some feel we shouldn't comment on children's appearance at all, Coombes believes that this may simply be ignoring an aspect of being human. "The reality is that we all look in the mirror and feel things about what looks back at us," she says. "So occasionally say: 'You look nice in that jumper' or 'Your eyes look lovely when you wear grey.' Compliment them on their appearance but help them to see things aren't fixed, that nothing is set."
Patient picks for Child mental health and behaviour
Children's health
How to help your child cope with exam stress
The exam period is a stressful time. For young people sitting their SATs, GCSEs, A-levels or university exams, it’s common to feel overwhelmed and anxious. And watching your child experiencing stress as they sit exams can be very hard too. However, there are steps you can take to help them cope.
by Lydia Smith
Children's health
Child attachment disorder
Normally babies develop a close attachment bond with their main caregiver (usually their parents) within the first months of life. If they are in a situation where they do not receive normal love and care, they cannot develop this close bond. This may result in a condition called attachment disorder. It usually happens to babies and children who have been neglected or abused, or who are in care or separated from their parents for some reason. The effect of not having this bond is problems with behaviour and in dealing with emotions and new situations. This can cause effects which carry on right through childhood and into their adult life. However, if attachment disorder is picked up early, it can often be put right. This may be by helping the parents or carers respond better to the needs of the child. Sometimes the child may need to be removed from a damaging home environment and placed with other carers.
by Dr Doug McKechnie, MRCGP
Helping them find their niche
One of the ways in which we can build confidence is by helping children to find the thing they love, or are good at. So introducing them to a variety of activities can be helpful. "Involve the child in conversations about the things they'd like to try," advises Coombes. "Otherwise you may overwhelm them - they might feel they're rubbish at everything! Find out what they'd like to explore and support them in that."
According to Coombes this involves helping children to find activities in which they’re out of their comfort zone, but not so far out that they feel completely incompetent. "There's a middle zone, known as the 'Zone of Proximal Development'," she says. "This is where you can achieve, as long as you have support from someone else. The right support at the right time can really build confidence, and developing mastery helps to build this confidence further."
Continue reading below
Guiding their view
Children are surrounded by images of perfection online and on TV, whether high-profile sports stars, brilliant performers or models and influencers on social media. This is the world that children are growing up in, but it's important that they learn to see the images they are confronted with a bit of adult perspective and reason.
"Always add a mediator," advises Coombes. "If you see someone who looks great in a movie say, 'Isn't she strong! I wonder how often she had to go to the gym?', or 'Doesn’t he look great; I wonder how much make-up he had to wear in this movie?'"
In this way, children will learn that whilst people can achieve greatness in different fields, most of these things come as a result of hard work or special filters. We don't just walk out of the door and run a marathon.
If your child lacks confidence or you feel they could develop a greater sense of self-esteem it can feel worrying. Those with low-self-esteem may struggle more with social situations, and feelings of low self-worth may even lead to mental health problems in the future. None of us wants our children to struggle. But by helping them to discover and appreciate their strengths we can help to set them on the right path.
Article history
The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
27 Feb 2020 | Latest version
Are you protected against flu?
See if you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab today.
Feeling unwell?
Assess your symptoms online for free