Parenting your child's self esteem?

Gorgeous Kylie and her bub - so cute

The way we build self esteem in our child needs to be significant enough to arrest their attention and powerful enough to deposit value and worth into the very core of who they are. This is how your child's self esteem and self concept will develop and grow. When your child knows that they are deeply loved they will confidently embrace life and all its challenges knowing that they have what it takes.... because you believe in them. This is a child with hope. No one can instil self esteem into a child better than a loving parent - loving unconditionally.  A top priority so that your child grows into an emotionally happy and healthy adult. As a loving parent you can build your child's self esteem so that they reach their full potential. Unrealized potential is a heartbreaking reality as many individuals fail to realize their value and worth as young children. Children love to hear how big and strong they are. Teenagers love knowing that you think they have what it takes. Belief in your child's strengths, talents and abilities is a very powerful thing.

One particular key that I have learnt in my own parenting journey is that regardless of the age of your child - whether  a toddler or in the teen years, all children need validation to do grow big on the inside. The best way to do this is through a face to face encounter with eye contact. There are times I have been guilty of the aha and mmhhmmm responses which I have learnt does not make a child feel significant. It does not  suffice for a meaningful interaction. I have found that even a brief eye to eye moment makes a child feel valued and important. This lets your child know that they have been heard, developing a strong sense of self. At times my mind has been so preoccupied with the details of life that I have had to let my kids know that I am too distracted to talk right now and wouldn't be giving them my best. They understand that I may need time to sort my thoughts out before I can engage purposefully. They learn to give and take. (another valuable life lesson). I take a moment to do this so I can listen intently and whole heartedly, sometimes briefly and other times at length. I then fully engage in listening and depositing words that build up. Sometimes speaking many words and sometimes just a few. Either way by having engaged with them in such a significant manner they are growing on the inside heart, soul and mind.