A child with a positive sense of self-worth will grow up to be a responsible and happy adult. On the other hand, a child with a negative sense of self-worth may grow up feeling insecure and pessimistic. So how do you build up your child’s self-worth?
Traits or signs of positive self-worth:
• Your child is eager to try new things
• Your child is confident in his ability to carry out a task
• Your child is happy and contented
• Your child admits to feeling being loved and is a lovable person
Traits of signs of negative self-worth:
• Your child is pessimistic
• Your child is generally irritable, fearful and avoids new experience
• Your child may complaint often of feeling unwell and appears lethargic
• Your child may complaint often of feeling unloved and also finds it difficult to show loving feelings
Generally, children who grow up in a loving home or environment and getting enough attention or care have a high sense of self-worth. However, for those that grow up in an unstable home and encounter emotional abuse and neglect will obviously have a low sense of self-worth.
Hence, parents play an important role in providing a positive and loving environment for their children in order to nurture their self-worth. The children need positive interaction with the parents and thrive when they receive lots of hugs, smiles, encouragement and love. Therefore each time you hug your child, remember that you are building his sense of positive self-worth.
photo credit: gcoldironjr2003