Have you ever battled with self-esteem issues growing up? I know the answer is most likely, duh! Well, how were you able to overcome that? Was it just time itself that helped you along? Or perhaps having close friends and family members who emanated confidence that boosted your own?

Now here’s a harder question: What happens when your child is facing self-esteem issues? It’s a scary, yet very real thought. Or, what if your child is too young but could face those same issues when they get older? It’s definitely something to think about and face early on to be better prepared.

My teenage ‘child’ has been facing some self-esteem issues on and off for a few years now. And it doesn’t really help that I’m not his actual parent to top it off. You see, there are a few things a child needs in order to have a healthy self-esteem. And my ‘child’, aka my brother, isn’t fortunate to have all of them.

So if you’re in the same boat as me(relatively), I’ve got a few ideas that I use when trying to boost his self-esteem. And if you’re in the boat where your child’s self-esteem hasn’t been affected yet, then I have good news! Because you can use these ideas to hopefully make it so your child’s self-esteem is untouched when they reach an age of uncertainty.

So here we go!

Get Out And About

I know for a fact that I feel a lot better when I’m out doing things, whether I admit it at the time or not. So I assume it works the same for him. Even if my nerves are through the roof when I’m first starting out, I honestly feel 10x better when I get past that initial part.

So I encouraged him to get a part-time job. I knew that the paycheck as well as the opportunity to be more social would help. And so far, it has a little! He can use his paycheck to buy some things here and there that make him feel better and that he can appreciate. Like going out to eat or filling his tank with gas so he can get out of the house.

Not only has his job helped his self-esteem by being with coworkers, but he also deals with the public. This is a great way to build up his self-esteem! This way he has to sort of make himself be more outgoing which in turn gets him compliments for his hard work. (And he is a very hard worker by the way!)

Responsibilities

I know we all dread some of the responsibilities we have in life. Trust me, I’m one of them. But when I really look at it, every time I’ve had to face a new responsibility I actually grow and become stronger through it. So what better way to build my ‘child’s’ self-esteem than to throw him into situations that can help him build?

Whether the responsibilities are big or small, it helps either way! Honestly I think it’s better having both types so they can start to gain confidence in themselves and their abilities. And in turn, their self-esteem. From household chores to bills and budgeting, and almost anything in between!

My child has lots of different types of responsibilities. From the job that I mentioned earlier to helping pay his portion of the bills. From paying for his own gas if he wants to get somewhere to doing the dishes on his days off. (He has less of an excuse because we’re lucky enough to have a dishwasher!) From always cleaning up his own mess to scheduling important appointments for himself. It has honestly helped him grow in so many ways and I can see the pride he has in his work.

A Good Role Model

If it’s not already pretty clear on this one, I’m talking about working on your own self-esteem first. Otherwise it’s like trying to teach someone a concept you don’t understand. Not easy at all! And I’m not saying you need to be the most confident person ever. Heck, I’m not even saying you have to have the self-esteem thing mastered.

Pretty much all your child needs is to see you making an effort and actively improving your own self-esteem for them to want to work on theirs. We all know kids do better at following what they see rather than what they’re told. And we all know kids are great imitators!

Plus, when I know I’m being watched, it motivates me to work harder on my self-esteem. This is a great way for me to be constantly working on and improving myself! It really is a win-win, and it improves your child’s chances at continuing a healthy level of self-esteem throughout their life!

What’s The Worst That Could Happen?

Honestly, there’s no reason we shouldn’t try to find ways to help our children’s self-esteem. Especially if it’s at a point in time where their self-esteem hasn’t been negatively affected yet! If you understand how much a high and healthy self-esteem helps you, why wouldn’t you want to help your child feel the same way?

Do you have any tips or advice on how to help a child build self-esteem? If so, share in the comments below! You never know, you could be the person who makes a difference in another Momma’s life!

Thank you so much for being a part of ETM’s community! Please don’t hesitate to chat with other Mommas, feel at home, and be unapologetically yourself!

With all my love, Brandolyn – Earth to Momma