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WE HELP CHILDREN

Wellbeing resources and training to support anxious children and their families

Self-Esteem

Children’s self-esteem issues are increasing as society is putting more and more pressure on children and young people to look, act and be a certain way. Social media, bullying, exam pressure and family problems can all impact children’s self-esteem.

Self-esteem is how a child feels about themselves and this can affect they way they interact with others and the world around them. Most children will slip into low self-esteem mode when faced with challenges and changes in life such as illness, moving house, parent’s divorce and bereavement and may need some support to get through.

Symptoms of low self-esteem

Lack of confidence

Feel alone and isolated

Struggle with new activities and change

Struggle to make and keep friends

Struggle with failure

Inability to be proud of their achievements

Put themselves down often

Compare themselves to others negatively 

Tips to build good self-esteem

Encourage your child to see and appreciate their uniqueness

Show lots of love and encouragement and remind them what makes them special

Model good self-esteem and use positive words when talking about yourself and others

Encourage them to try out new activities and learn new skills

Encourage them to have a go at something and it is ok to fail or not get it right

Make lists of all their achievements and note how hard they worked

Reassure your child that making a mistakes is normal and no-one is perfect

Talk more and ask how they feel, talking about their ideas and what went well each day

Check them when they criticise themselves

Encourage a growth mindset approach and instead of saying ‘I can’t do it’ say ‘I can’t do it yet and I will try my best’.