Self-Esteem, Why it Matters
One of the best gifts we can give our children is a strong sense of self-belief. When children feel good about themselves, they approach challenges with confidence and resilience. But what happens when self-belief starts to fade?
What is Self-Esteem?
Self-esteem is how we value ourselves and our abilities. It’s often used alongside terms like self-belief and confidence, but each has a slightly different meaning. While self-esteem is about feeling good about who we are, confidence is about believing in our ability to do specific things.
When Do Children Lose Self-Belief?
Around ages 7-8, children begin comparing themselves to peers. This can lead to self-doubt and lower self-esteem, as they notice differences in skills and abilities.
Why Does This Happen?
Children often lose self-belief when they compare themselves to others, whether in school or social settings. Statements like “I can’t do it” or “I’m not good enough” are common signs of this shift.
Why Does Self-Esteem Matter?
Self-esteem is the foundation for how children approach life. When children have a healthy sense of self-worth, they:
Tackle challenges with confidence
Build better relationships
Improve emotional resilience
Perform better academically
Develop empathy and compassion
By fostering self-esteem, we help our children thrive not only emotionally but also socially, academically, and personally.
How Can Parents Help?
As parents, we have a powerful role in helping our children regain and build their self-belief. One effective approach is promoting a growth mindset—the belief that skills and abilities improve with effort and persistence.
The power of “yet”
Simple but powerful way to see challenges as opportunities for growth, not as barriers to success. Teach your child that when they say, “I can’t do it,” they should add, “yet.”
Example:
Child: “I’m not very good at spelling. I only got 4/8.”
Parent: “Great job! You got 4 correct. Let’s practice the others to improve! The more we try, the better we’ll get. You’re learning every time!”
Practical Steps to Support Your Child
Praise Effort, Not Perfection – Focus on their effort and progress, not just outcomes.
Model Resilience – Show them how to approach challenges positively.
Encourage Responsibility – Give them manageable tasks to build confidence.
Promote Emotional Literacy – Help them understand and manage their emotions.
Practice Gratitude – Teach them to appreciate both themselves and others.
How Brave Beginnings Can Help
At Brave Beginnings, we create tools to help build self-belief. Our activity books and journals for children aged 4-8 and 9-12 promote positive self-talk, emotional literacy, and a growth mindset.
Remember: Every step your child takes is a step toward becoming their best self, and we’re here to support you on that journey.
