Healthy self esteem is the single most important skill a child can develop to thrive in society. Simply, self esteem means being proud of ourselves. When kids feel secure "inside and outside" of themselves they can cope with life's many challenges.
When we help kids build self esteem we are teaching them to take pride of themselves, feel great about themselves, trust their emotions, celebrate achievements and to be their best "inside and outside".
As a reminder, self esteem fluctuates in children, because it is affected by their experiences, judgements and perceptions. As parents and teachers we have to be on the lookout for signs of both low and high self esteem.
There are no magic formulas for raising children with positive self esteem! However, this blog offers a guide. We must keep in mind this is a lifelong developmental process whose roots are established in early childhood.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Reading List for Parents
Suggested reading list for Parents
Berkenkamp, L. & S. Atkins. Because I Said So! Family
Squabbles and How to Handle Them. Chicago: Nomad
Press, 2003.
Canfield, Jack. The Success Principles: How to Get From
Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. New York:
Harper Collins Publishers, 2005.
Durfee, Cliff. Feel Alive With Love: Have A Heart Talk.
California: Live, Love, Laugh, 1979.
Hartley-Brewen, Elizabeth. Talking to Tweens. Mass:
DaCaop Press, 2005.
Looman, Diane. Full Esteem Ahead. California:
H J Kramer, Inc., 1994.
Ramsey, Robert. 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s
Self Esteem. Florida: Tribune Publishers, 1994.
Rogers, Fred. You Are Special. New York: Penguin Books,
1994.
Youngs, Bettie. The 6 Vital Ingredients of Self Esteem and
How to Develop Them in Your Child. New York:
Macmillan, 1991.
Berkenkamp, L. & S. Atkins. Because I Said So! Family
Squabbles and How to Handle Them. Chicago: Nomad
Press, 2003.
Canfield, Jack. The Success Principles: How to Get From
Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. New York:
Harper Collins Publishers, 2005.
Durfee, Cliff. Feel Alive With Love: Have A Heart Talk.
California: Live, Love, Laugh, 1979.
Hartley-Brewen, Elizabeth. Talking to Tweens. Mass:
DaCaop Press, 2005.
Looman, Diane. Full Esteem Ahead. California:
H J Kramer, Inc., 1994.
Ramsey, Robert. 501 Ways to Boost Your Child’s
Self Esteem. Florida: Tribune Publishers, 1994.
Rogers, Fred. You Are Special. New York: Penguin Books,
1994.
Youngs, Bettie. The 6 Vital Ingredients of Self Esteem and
How to Develop Them in Your Child. New York:
Macmillan, 1991.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Simple Sixes Part 6 of 6 Reinforcing Responsibility
Simple Sixes Part 6 of 6 Reinforcing Responsibility
The most important step in creating success in a child's life is teaching them to take responsibility for their lives. We model and teach that the quality of life we are experiencing is a result of how we are responding to the EVENTS rather than the EVENTS themselves.
Jack Canfield writes about the formula E + R = O. Events plus response equals outcome. According to Canfield, what most adults and children do is when they do not get the outcome they want they blame the event. As parents and teachers we must guide them out of blaming and complaining and into taking responsibility. This is not easy for them and us!! This is not easy because we all have been conditioned to blame our neighbors, teachers, friends, bad luck, the car breaking, the weather and the economy. It is difficult to look at where the problem is -OURSELVES.
Here's an example of my blaming-- this happened when I was writing this piece for a workshop." Charlie (my dog) is bothering me to go out and I can not finish this section!" If I had taken full responsibility, I would have taken him for a long walk before I started. Then he would be sleeping and I could be typing away.
I highly recommend reading Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles as a guide.
If anyone has an example of Reinforcing Responsibility, please feel free to post it and be a follower.
The most important step in creating success in a child's life is teaching them to take responsibility for their lives. We model and teach that the quality of life we are experiencing is a result of how we are responding to the EVENTS rather than the EVENTS themselves.
Jack Canfield writes about the formula E + R = O. Events plus response equals outcome. According to Canfield, what most adults and children do is when they do not get the outcome they want they blame the event. As parents and teachers we must guide them out of blaming and complaining and into taking responsibility. This is not easy for them and us!! This is not easy because we all have been conditioned to blame our neighbors, teachers, friends, bad luck, the car breaking, the weather and the economy. It is difficult to look at where the problem is -OURSELVES.
Here's an example of my blaming-- this happened when I was writing this piece for a workshop." Charlie (my dog) is bothering me to go out and I can not finish this section!" If I had taken full responsibility, I would have taken him for a long walk before I started. Then he would be sleeping and I could be typing away.
I highly recommend reading Jack Canfield's book The Success Principles as a guide.
If anyone has an example of Reinforcing Responsibility, please feel free to post it and be a follower.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents Part 5 of 6 Respect their Opinions and Feelings
Simple Sixes:A Guide for Parents Part 5 of 6- RESPECT THEIR FEELINGS AND OPINIONS
As parents we must always honor and respect our children's opinions and feelings. Healthy families are careful to encourage an atmosphere where every ones personal opinions are respected, even if those opinions are not universally shared. The term we will use is called empathizing. Empathizing is communicating the understanding of someones feelings and thoughts. This appears very obvious and simple. However, studies show that children with high self esteem come from families that encourage freedom of expression. However, surprisingly enough we also found how hard it is to practice and develop this skill. It is EASY when their opinions reflect ours. When our children's opinions are radically different than ours we tend to react and judge.
Children who feel free to express themselves without fear, rejection, or extreme judgement are happier, confident, and more socially secure.
Two examples of empathizing could look and sound like this. Child says "this math problem is to hard. I can't do it, I hate math." Parent responds: "It is frustrating, huh, let's try it together!"
This shows that we are relating to the feeling of frustration.
Another common problem may be being left out in the lunchroom. Now let's empathize with that feeling. Parent says" I can imagine what you are feeling. I had a very similar experience like that when I was in school, and it made me feel the same way also, let me tell you what happened to me.
Let's try to practice and develop this skill!!!
As parents we must always honor and respect our children's opinions and feelings. Healthy families are careful to encourage an atmosphere where every ones personal opinions are respected, even if those opinions are not universally shared. The term we will use is called empathizing. Empathizing is communicating the understanding of someones feelings and thoughts. This appears very obvious and simple. However, studies show that children with high self esteem come from families that encourage freedom of expression. However, surprisingly enough we also found how hard it is to practice and develop this skill. It is EASY when their opinions reflect ours. When our children's opinions are radically different than ours we tend to react and judge.
Children who feel free to express themselves without fear, rejection, or extreme judgement are happier, confident, and more socially secure.
Two examples of empathizing could look and sound like this. Child says "this math problem is to hard. I can't do it, I hate math." Parent responds: "It is frustrating, huh, let's try it together!"
This shows that we are relating to the feeling of frustration.
Another common problem may be being left out in the lunchroom. Now let's empathize with that feeling. Parent says" I can imagine what you are feeling. I had a very similar experience like that when I was in school, and it made me feel the same way also, let me tell you what happened to me.
Let's try to practice and develop this skill!!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents Part 4 of 6
Simple Sixes: Part 4 of 6 Involve Children in Goal Setting
Setting goals fosters and enhances ownership, knowledge, skills, power, pride, organization, self-confidence and is incredibly motivating!! In order to achieve goals we need to do the following:
1. Set an attainable and reasonable goal
2. Write out the steps for reaching the goal
3. Set a time frame or make a time line
4. Check progress (evaluate)
5. Implement goals and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We can set long term goals or short term goals. We need to help our children set reasonable goals and remember to celebrate and acknowledge accomplishments. Children with realistic goals, along with a solid plan feel capable and their self esteem rises dramatically. Some examples of goals could be learning to ride a bike or school projects. When you go home tonight ask your child one thing s/he would like to accomplish. Then write out the steps,
Set a time frame, check progress and celebrate!!
Setting goals fosters and enhances ownership, knowledge, skills, power, pride, organization, self-confidence and is incredibly motivating!! In order to achieve goals we need to do the following:
1. Set an attainable and reasonable goal
2. Write out the steps for reaching the goal
3. Set a time frame or make a time line
4. Check progress (evaluate)
5. Implement goals and CELEBRATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We can set long term goals or short term goals. We need to help our children set reasonable goals and remember to celebrate and acknowledge accomplishments. Children with realistic goals, along with a solid plan feel capable and their self esteem rises dramatically. Some examples of goals could be learning to ride a bike or school projects. When you go home tonight ask your child one thing s/he would like to accomplish. Then write out the steps,
Set a time frame, check progress and celebrate!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents Part 3 of 6
HOME ZONE:
Physical safety is so essential that without it, the development of a strong and healthy self esteem is extremely limited. Children need to develop a sense of assuredness that there are people that they can count on. A loving atmosphere is essential for all family members!!! One of the most fundamental ways we demonstrate our love for our children is by giving them a safe and secure place
that is uniquely theirs. Let's remember that we can not shield our children from all the "negative" occurrences from the outside world, thus, we must make the home a safe zone. One way we can achieve this is by banning put-downs! We see this when older children siblings put down younger siblings. You can say to older siblings " suppose you are 5 and someone called you dumb--how would you feel?"
Also, as parents we need to monitor our put downs to our children. We should teach our children that we expect them to "pull each other up" , not bring them down. When you hear the devastating words " you're dumb" label that IMMEDIATELY as a put down the INSTANT you hear it. Calling an unkind name makes a child want to continue that behavior. Remember I wrote about modeling? We need to remember to model positive speaking and behavior. Try it next time your child spills milk or tracks snow in the house.
The deeper the roots of home zone self esteem, the better equipped children are to behave in school and interact with peers. Their inner feelings and self worth will be their guides of their choice of friends. If you see that a particular friend is a positive influence on your child ENCOURAGE it!
It is so clear that this skill trickles into many facets of our children's lives!!!!!
Physical safety is so essential that without it, the development of a strong and healthy self esteem is extremely limited. Children need to develop a sense of assuredness that there are people that they can count on. A loving atmosphere is essential for all family members!!! One of the most fundamental ways we demonstrate our love for our children is by giving them a safe and secure place
that is uniquely theirs. Let's remember that we can not shield our children from all the "negative" occurrences from the outside world, thus, we must make the home a safe zone. One way we can achieve this is by banning put-downs! We see this when older children siblings put down younger siblings. You can say to older siblings " suppose you are 5 and someone called you dumb--how would you feel?"
Also, as parents we need to monitor our put downs to our children. We should teach our children that we expect them to "pull each other up" , not bring them down. When you hear the devastating words " you're dumb" label that IMMEDIATELY as a put down the INSTANT you hear it. Calling an unkind name makes a child want to continue that behavior. Remember I wrote about modeling? We need to remember to model positive speaking and behavior. Try it next time your child spills milk or tracks snow in the house.
The deeper the roots of home zone self esteem, the better equipped children are to behave in school and interact with peers. Their inner feelings and self worth will be their guides of their choice of friends. If you see that a particular friend is a positive influence on your child ENCOURAGE it!
It is so clear that this skill trickles into many facets of our children's lives!!!!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents Part Two of Six
Lovable and Capable:
Children need to to shown and told that we love them unconditionally. They need to be shown and told that they are capable of mastering tasks, problem solving and decision making. This is both verbal and non-verbal. Non-Verbal means "wordless messages"- you are engaging in eye contact. Other examples are a wink, nod,smile, hug or thumbs up. Let's remember that actions speak louder than words! Verbal means we are offering specific encouragement and praise. We reinforce their efforts in trying to achieve a goal. We teach and model complimenting each other. We praise them and follow up with a positive statement. For example: You can say " I like your choice of the red shorts with the yellow tank top. You are great at picking out your clothes! "
This week try to watch yourself enhance your child's feelings of "lovable and capable"!!!
Lovable and Capable:
Children need to to shown and told that we love them unconditionally. They need to be shown and told that they are capable of mastering tasks, problem solving and decision making. This is both verbal and non-verbal. Non-Verbal means "wordless messages"- you are engaging in eye contact. Other examples are a wink, nod,smile, hug or thumbs up. Let's remember that actions speak louder than words! Verbal means we are offering specific encouragement and praise. We reinforce their efforts in trying to achieve a goal. We teach and model complimenting each other. We praise them and follow up with a positive statement. For example: You can say " I like your choice of the red shorts with the yellow tank top. You are great at picking out your clothes! "
This week try to watch yourself enhance your child's feelings of "lovable and capable"!!!
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents
Simple Sixes: A Guide for Parents:
This is part one of six for parents. PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS
Let's remember that when you as a parent are responsive to your child's needs you are laying the foundation for their beliefs in their own worth. These simple sixes are a road map or guide for parents.
PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS:
Children learn through imitation(modeling). Parents are the most influential model a child has. Self esteem is not a one time thing we learn, it fluctuates. Sometimes, as parents, we have to fine tune OUR self esteem in order to model it for others. This means we have to pay close attention to OUR self esteem! We make sure we are talking, acting, and communicating positively. We help others without expecting anything back. We model persistence by keeping at a task. We talk about people we admire. We model a "can do" attitude. We remember that we were once children. Today, take time to watch how you model self esteem!
This is part one of six for parents. PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS
Let's remember that when you as a parent are responsive to your child's needs you are laying the foundation for their beliefs in their own worth. These simple sixes are a road map or guide for parents.
PARENTS AS ROLE MODELS:
Children learn through imitation(modeling). Parents are the most influential model a child has. Self esteem is not a one time thing we learn, it fluctuates. Sometimes, as parents, we have to fine tune OUR self esteem in order to model it for others. This means we have to pay close attention to OUR self esteem! We make sure we are talking, acting, and communicating positively. We help others without expecting anything back. We model persistence by keeping at a task. We talk about people we admire. We model a "can do" attitude. We remember that we were once children. Today, take time to watch how you model self esteem!
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Your Child's Motto: I NEVER Forget that I am Awesome!
Recently, I wrote about the characteristics of low self esteem. As a reminder, self esteem fluctuates in children, because it is affected by a child's experiences, judgements and perceptions. As parents we have to be on the lookout for signs of both low and high self esteem. Listed below is a portrait of a child that has healthy self esteem.
1. Can set and achieve goals
2. Can share
3. Accepts challenges
4. Accepts advice without viewing it as criticism
5. Comfortable alone with self
6. Optimistic and ambitious
7. Does not make excuses for mistakes
8. Does good for others without expecting anything in return
9. Happy with self just the way s/he is
10. Equipped to cope with adversity
11. Comfortable in social settings
12. Feels lovable and capable
13. Willingness to participate
14. Compassion for self and others
15. Takes responsibility for actions
16. Can do many things for her/his self, but asks for help when needed
Self esteem is something we learn from our parents, which means it can be taught! When we help children build self esteem we are teaching them to take pride in themselves. This week post the motto: I NEVER forget that I am Awesome! in a visible place for your child to see many times during the day and watch self esteem grow!!!!!!!!!!
1. Can set and achieve goals
2. Can share
3. Accepts challenges
4. Accepts advice without viewing it as criticism
5. Comfortable alone with self
6. Optimistic and ambitious
7. Does not make excuses for mistakes
8. Does good for others without expecting anything in return
9. Happy with self just the way s/he is
10. Equipped to cope with adversity
11. Comfortable in social settings
12. Feels lovable and capable
13. Willingness to participate
14. Compassion for self and others
15. Takes responsibility for actions
16. Can do many things for her/his self, but asks for help when needed
Self esteem is something we learn from our parents, which means it can be taught! When we help children build self esteem we are teaching them to take pride in themselves. This week post the motto: I NEVER forget that I am Awesome! in a visible place for your child to see many times during the day and watch self esteem grow!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Promoting Self Esteem: A Daily Memo
DESIGNING YOUR PARENTING PHILOSOPHY;
A philosophy can guide your actions and words, thus enabling you to be an effective role model for your child/ren. There are no right or wrong philosophies- what ever works best for you. Here are a few I created:
1. I will teach my children responsibility. I will listen to their voices and feelings.
2. I will tell and show my child/ren that they are loved unconditionally, I will teach and model the concept of gratitude.
3. I will help my child build pride in himself, feel great about himself, and celebrate his accomplishments.
4. I will foster my daughter's self esteem. I will help her believe in herself, I will strive to guide her develop her own talents.
Let's remember a strong philosophy is the back bone of how you will act, think, and speak! It is the way you will be a role model for your family.
If anyone has a philosophy they would like to post here feel free!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Promoting Self Esteem: A Daily Memo
Self esteem fluctuates in children, because it is affected by a child's experiences, judgements, and perceptions. As parents we have to be on the look out for signs of a healthy self esteem and low self esteem. Listed are characteristics of low self esteem.
1. wants to people please
2. can not accept a compliment
3. needs constant attention
4. does not feel safe at home
5. lacks a clear sense of values
6. pressures themselves to be the best
7. self blames
8. fears failure
9. not comfortable in social settings
10. compares themselves to others
11. sets unreasonable goals
12. always feels they are being judged
Let's remember that self esteem is a life long developmental process whose roots are developed in early childhood. Be on the look out for low self esteem and turn it around!
1. wants to people please
2. can not accept a compliment
3. needs constant attention
4. does not feel safe at home
5. lacks a clear sense of values
6. pressures themselves to be the best
7. self blames
8. fears failure
9. not comfortable in social settings
10. compares themselves to others
11. sets unreasonable goals
12. always feels they are being judged
Let's remember that self esteem is a life long developmental process whose roots are developed in early childhood. Be on the look out for low self esteem and turn it around!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Tip-Wall of Fame
WALL OF FAME:
Our homes should display our children's accomplishments. Our walls and refrigerator are such places to display art work, awards, spelling tests, and trophies. Your screen saver can proudly display photos of graduation or any "proud moment." My diploma's and teaching awards are by my desk, where I work every day. Each family member is good at something. Discover it, frame it-make the children famous-at home! As children grow they can see years of accomplishments at a quick glance! This is also great for older children, as they see years of accomplishments at a glance. This gives them a boost when their self worth needs a lift!
Our homes should display our children's accomplishments. Our walls and refrigerator are such places to display art work, awards, spelling tests, and trophies. Your screen saver can proudly display photos of graduation or any "proud moment." My diploma's and teaching awards are by my desk, where I work every day. Each family member is good at something. Discover it, frame it-make the children famous-at home! As children grow they can see years of accomplishments at a quick glance! This is also great for older children, as they see years of accomplishments at a glance. This gives them a boost when their self worth needs a lift!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Friday's Tip
GRATITUDE LIST:
Beginning a gratitude list is another tradition that will last a life time. You and your child can start a separate gratitude journal or just keep a running list of all the things the family is grateful for. It can be posted on the refrigerator, in a separate notebook, or just said orally. 3-5 things are enough. Here is a sample of my gratitude entry:
1. Spring rain
2. Birds chirping
3. Sitting on the dock watching the sunset
4. My health
5. Chicken and linguine
This simple tradition is a great way to turn around negative "talk" to positive!
Beginning a gratitude list is another tradition that will last a life time. You and your child can start a separate gratitude journal or just keep a running list of all the things the family is grateful for. It can be posted on the refrigerator, in a separate notebook, or just said orally. 3-5 things are enough. Here is a sample of my gratitude entry:
1. Spring rain
2. Birds chirping
3. Sitting on the dock watching the sunset
4. My health
5. Chicken and linguine
This simple tradition is a great way to turn around negative "talk" to positive!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday's Tip
DAILY JOURNAL:
Keeping a Journal is another life long activity! You can give journals, notebooks, colored pencils, and markers as gifts at Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and before vacations- for a travel journal companion so children can document the trip with words, pictures, and photos. All journals should be kept year after year- do not throw them away. Journals can document and measure growth. DO NOT corrrect spelling or handwriting or ANYTHING at all! This is for the child so we must respect privacy! Journals are important because:
1. Children's lives are important and special enough that we believe it needs to be recorded.
2. A private journal is self-empowerment because it is an outlet for emotions.
3. A private journal is a place for opinions and self-reflection.
4. A private journal helps children cope with difficulties in life because they see problems in print- very powerful!
Here's an example from my family about a journal entry. My son commented after looking back from the beginning of the summer to the end of the summer-" Wow! now I can ride my 2 wheel bike!! I'm going to put that in my journal!!"
That statement shows growth and pride!
Why not get a journal for everyone one in the family and begin a wonderful tradition?
Keeping a Journal is another life long activity! You can give journals, notebooks, colored pencils, and markers as gifts at Christmas, Valentine's Day, birthdays, and before vacations- for a travel journal companion so children can document the trip with words, pictures, and photos. All journals should be kept year after year- do not throw them away. Journals can document and measure growth. DO NOT corrrect spelling or handwriting or ANYTHING at all! This is for the child so we must respect privacy! Journals are important because:
1. Children's lives are important and special enough that we believe it needs to be recorded.
2. A private journal is self-empowerment because it is an outlet for emotions.
3. A private journal is a place for opinions and self-reflection.
4. A private journal helps children cope with difficulties in life because they see problems in print- very powerful!
Here's an example from my family about a journal entry. My son commented after looking back from the beginning of the summer to the end of the summer-" Wow! now I can ride my 2 wheel bike!! I'm going to put that in my journal!!"
That statement shows growth and pride!
Why not get a journal for everyone one in the family and begin a wonderful tradition?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wednesday's Tip
MAKING TIME JUST FOR THE TWO OF YOU:
Making dates with our children sends a powerful message that s/he is worthy of our time and UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. Children feel a sense of how much we love and honor their uniqueness, especially during one-on-one time. This tradition is even more crucial with families with many siblings. Dates can be once a week or once a month depending on your schedule and how many children you have. You take turns deciding what to do and where to go. Activities can be as simple as going for a hike or a movie - or as complex as starting a book club. This activity harnesses esteem for the RELATIONSHIP! Every time you do something that enhances self worth, you are raising their self esteem!
Give this a try and watch the self esteem grow!
Making dates with our children sends a powerful message that s/he is worthy of our time and UNDIVIDED ATTENTION. Children feel a sense of how much we love and honor their uniqueness, especially during one-on-one time. This tradition is even more crucial with families with many siblings. Dates can be once a week or once a month depending on your schedule and how many children you have. You take turns deciding what to do and where to go. Activities can be as simple as going for a hike or a movie - or as complex as starting a book club. This activity harnesses esteem for the RELATIONSHIP! Every time you do something that enhances self worth, you are raising their self esteem!
Give this a try and watch the self esteem grow!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Tuesday's Tip
Today's Tip is called Compliment Giving Time:
It is important to to teach our children how and when to receive and give compliments. Teaching children to praise each other is part of feeling lovable and capable. Let's remember how we feel when we receive a compliment- it makes us smile and elevates our spirits! For example, as a parent you can say: "I really like the way you take care of Charlie, you always feed him on time, give him fresh water, and take him for long walks. You take excellent care of the dog!"
On the other side of the coin, children can be taught and encouraged to give compliments. Teaching children to give and receive compliments is an important social skill. Eye contact is critical when giving a compliment! You always respond with THANK YOU! You can start by having your child give you 2 compliments per day. This should then branch off to siblings complimenting each other.
Try this simple activity and watch self esteem grow!!!!!
It is important to to teach our children how and when to receive and give compliments. Teaching children to praise each other is part of feeling lovable and capable. Let's remember how we feel when we receive a compliment- it makes us smile and elevates our spirits! For example, as a parent you can say: "I really like the way you take care of Charlie, you always feed him on time, give him fresh water, and take him for long walks. You take excellent care of the dog!"
On the other side of the coin, children can be taught and encouraged to give compliments. Teaching children to give and receive compliments is an important social skill. Eye contact is critical when giving a compliment! You always respond with THANK YOU! You can start by having your child give you 2 compliments per day. This should then branch off to siblings complimenting each other.
Try this simple activity and watch self esteem grow!!!!!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Monday's Tip
There are many simple and easy activities parents and children can do together at home to promote self esteem. The Bravo! List helps stop negative talk and accentuates the positive. Occasionally, children come home from school with a list of things that went "wrong" during the day. This activity helps combat that. A Bravo! List is simply a list of things that went "right". You can list 5 things each day that went "right". They can be posted in the kitchen, written as a journal entry, or just verbally discussed during dinner. For example: 1. I shared with the new boy/girl in school today. 2. I tried out for the school play. 3. I set the table without being told. 4. I waited for my turn when the teacher was talking to a parent. 5. I was ready for school early and I practiced my spelling words while I waited for the school bus.
This list is a real booster for children! Also, parents can also share their Bravo! List.
I hope this tip is helpful!
This list is a real booster for children! Also, parents can also share their Bravo! List.
I hope this tip is helpful!
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