You want the best for your children but they all develop differently. Self-esteem can be a major problem when it comes to socialising and doing their best and it happens for all types of reasons. The good news is your child doesn’t have to suffer alone. There are some things that you can do to help boost her confidence and help her prepare for the future.
Find Out Why She Has Low Self-Esteem
One of the best things to do is find out why she is so shy and unconfident in herself. This will help you focus on that to make her feel better about herself.
Bear in mind that it might not be one particular thing. If could be the fact that she is the shortest in her class but it could also be a general feeling of not being good enough.
Help Her Develop Her Personal Style
Focus on making her stand out and be herself. Younger children often don’t know what they would like to do or how they would like to dress, so you will need to help here.
Keep in mind that preferences can change and they are often fuelled by the things that are happening around them and fashion at the time. Stay on top of fashion so you can help her.
Encourage Her More Often
Encouragement goes a long way to help boost self-confidence and esteem. Help her by encouraging her more on a daily basis. It could be encouraging her to give the basketball team a try or to do well in an exam.
Avoid putting pressure on her though. Let her know that if she doesn’t make the team or do well, it is not the end of the world. It just requires a bit more practise and you will help her with that.
Congratulate Her Regularly
When she does well in her homework, a test or makes the team, remember to congratulate her. If it’s a very big achievement, you may want to throw a party to show her how proud of her you are.
Knowing that she has done something right will help her continue on that path. Eventually it helps to build her self-esteem up.
Help Her Along the Way
She may need help with understanding her homework or complain that she just doesn’t get it. Sit down with her and help her along the way. Don’t give her the answer though and get her to work it out herself.
You could even get her to explain the homework to you. That way she builds on her understanding and feels like she has taught you something new, boosting her esteem.
Let Her Finish Her Sentences
Low self-esteem can lead to stuttering or trouble getting her words out. Avoid finishing her sentences or feeling like you need to talk for her. It will just plague her more. Instead, let her take her time to speak out.
Give her the opportunity to share her thoughts, feelings and prove she is good at something. It will soon help her confidence grow and that will help get over the stutter and trouble speaking in public.