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(Unit 3) Topic 4: Supporting Self-Esteem

2 Clock Hours of Early Childhood Education

Improving Self-Esteem

Topic 4 Page 9

Interacting with children carries with it the responsibility of doing everything in your power to improve and help build their self-esteem.

Children have a developing sense of self and are in a critical period where their self-esteem ebbs and flows often. They are building skills and capabilities that will impact their self-esteem for many years to come. Teachers, parents, friends, family members and caregivers are at the center of this evolving self-esteem.

How caregivers can help improve a child’s self-esteem:

Let them know that nobody is good at everything
Compliment them often
Have them try writing exercises to list their positive qualities
Focus on the positive
Model desired positive encouragement so that other children learn from your example
Encourage positive self-concepts
Show that you care
Never compare a child to others
Set goals for the child and help them achieve them

We each have requirements and needs to help build our self-esteem and positive self-identity. These elements are intrinsic to who we are and how our self-esteem is shaped over time. Children are no different in this. Building their confidence and helping them maintain high self-esteem is a crucial component of providing quality child care.