Listen "Back to school: Self-esteem"
Episode Synopsis
As parents, we positively influence our children’s self-esteem by giving the children autonomy from a very early age on.
We can praise them for their efforts in school, extra curricular activities, sports, music, art, etc. not for their performance, grades, winning, etc. The latter reduces self-esteem, sets the child under massive performance pressure, as the child is only seen and appreciated for its performance not for oneself.
Warm and loving relationships are the foundation of children’s self-esteem because they make children feel valued and worthwhile. Relationships are built on plenty of responsive, caring interactions with your child. Family rituals are important too, because they build your family relationships and give your child a sense of belonging.
You can build a positive relationship with your child by:
being in the moment with your child
spending quality time with your child
creating a caring environment of trust and respect.
A self-esteem booster list:
Help kids find their passion
Praise perseverance
Foster autonomy
Treat your child with respect
Avoid being critical
Encourage communication
Find and focus on their strength
Involve your children in household tasks
Set goals
Focus on your child
Be a role model
Deal with mistakes constructively
Encourage healthy friendships
Encourage independence
Give your child balanced feedback
Independent activity
Model confidence yourself
Offer unconditional love
References
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/about-self-esteem
We can praise them for their efforts in school, extra curricular activities, sports, music, art, etc. not for their performance, grades, winning, etc. The latter reduces self-esteem, sets the child under massive performance pressure, as the child is only seen and appreciated for its performance not for oneself.
Warm and loving relationships are the foundation of children’s self-esteem because they make children feel valued and worthwhile. Relationships are built on plenty of responsive, caring interactions with your child. Family rituals are important too, because they build your family relationships and give your child a sense of belonging.
You can build a positive relationship with your child by:
being in the moment with your child
spending quality time with your child
creating a caring environment of trust and respect.
A self-esteem booster list:
Help kids find their passion
Praise perseverance
Foster autonomy
Treat your child with respect
Avoid being critical
Encourage communication
Find and focus on their strength
Involve your children in household tasks
Set goals
Focus on your child
Be a role model
Deal with mistakes constructively
Encourage healthy friendships
Encourage independence
Give your child balanced feedback
Independent activity
Model confidence yourself
Offer unconditional love
References
https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/understanding-behaviour/about-self-esteem
More episodes of the podcast Dr. Simone’s Mind Space
An openminded conversation
17/10/2025
From matcha to sourdough to perimenopause
24/09/2025
Two Female Doctors in Conversation
29/08/2025
Two Female Doctors in Conversation
29/08/2025
Sourdough queen & barre instructor: mom life
28/08/2025
Back to routines: matcha & co
19/08/2025
Summer time: couples time
02/08/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.